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Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrate > fishes > Family Callionymidae
Mosaic dragonet
Callionymus enneactis*

Family Callionymidae
updated Jan 2020

Where seen? This small fish with a camouflaging mosaic pattern is often seen in sandy areas near reefs on many of our Southern shores. Tiny ones sometimes seen among seaweeds.

Features:
Those seen 3-5cm. Body somewhat flattened. Head broad and flat with a narrow pointed mouth so that the head appears triangular when seen from above. It has a pattern of patches and bars of various shades of brown and white that matches the sandy areas where it is found.

According to Ng, this species is distinguished from the other dragonets of Singapore in having a combination of a narrow snout, dark saddles on the body, and dark markings on the anal fin.

Sometimes mistaken for flatheads (Family Platycephalidae). Here's more on how to tell apart fish with flat heads.

Tiny one among seaweeds.
Sentosa, Apr 14

Tanah Merah, Oct 09

Mosaic dragonets on Singapore shores
On wildsingapore flickr

Other sightings on Singapore shores


Sentosa, Nov 09
Photos shared by James Koh on his blog.

St. John's Island, Jan 20
Photos shared by Marcus Ng on facebook.


Pulau Hantu, Jan 11
Photos shared by James Koh on flickr.

Big Sisters Island, Feb 17
Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on flickr.

Terumbu Semakau, Apr 24
Photo shared by Kelvin Yong on facebook.

Pulau Semakau South, Oct 20
Photo shared by Jianlin Liu on flickr.

Terumbu Pempang Laut, May 12
Photo shared by James Koh on his blog.


Terumbu Bemban, Jul 15
Photo shared by Toh Chay Hoon on facebook.
 


Terumbu Bemban, Apr 11
Photo shared by Russel Low on facebook.

Acknowledgement
Grateful thanks to Dr Ng Heok Hee for correcting the identification of these fishes.

Links

References

  • Ng, H. H., 2012. The dragonets of Singapore (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Callionymidae). Nature in Singapore, 5: 27-38. [PDF, 1.55 MB]
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