Dragonets

Dragonets are small, brightly colored marine fish found in the tropical waters of the western Indo-Pacific. A favorite of saltwater aquarium hobbyists because of their interesting appearance, dragonets can be difficult maintain because of their tendency to eat only live food. In fact, they have been known to starve to death if fed prepared foods.

These “little dragons” thrive in larger reef aquariums, at least 55 gallons, that contain sandy or rocky substrates. Dragonets spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank, feeding on worms, crustaceans other small invertebrates rooted out from the substrate.

Due to similarities in physical appearance and behavior, dragonets are sometimes confused with members of the goby family. There is also some confusion about the scooter blenny, which is, in reality, a dragonet.

The dragonet’s body is long and has no scales. They have flattened, triangular heads with large mouths and eyes. Their fins are large and rather flashy and their tails are fan-shaped. The dragonet’s large pectoral fins serve as a primary means of propulsion.

Dragonets have a spine that guards part of the gill cover, and which has been found to be venomous in some species. The first high dorsal fin usually has four spines.

Depending upon the species, certain dragonets can reach lengths of 12 inches, while others grow to less than an inch. Males and females are colored and patterned differently. Males are highly territorial. It might be wise to keep two or three females with every male.

Some popular dragonets:

• Mandarin fish
• Psychedelic mandarin dragonet
• Ocellated dragonet, or scooter blenny (not a true blenny)
• Finger dragonet