Fingered Dragonet (juvenile)

Dactylopus dactylopus is a species of marine fish in the family Callionymidae.

Description

This species reaches a length of 30 centimetres (12 in) TL. Identified by the finger-like separate first rays of the ventral fins, and distinguished from the similar D. kuiteri in usually having 8 divided rays in the second dorsal fin (versus 9), the fin with a distinct horizontal pattern of lines in adults, and males have long filaments on the first dorsal fin (versus short or absent). Body moderately depressed. Preopercular spine with processes on both inner and outer sides. Pelvic spine and 1st pelvic ray fused into an elongate rod, separated from the other pelvic rays. Attains 10 cm SL. Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7.

Distribution

The Fingered dragonet is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia to Palau Islands.

Habitat

It is found at depths of from 1 to 55 metres (3.3 to 180.4 ft) and prefers sandy or muddy substrates, often with weed growth.

This species can be found in the aquarium trade.