Callionymus reticulatus (Valenciennes, 1837)

Reticulated Dragonet

Callionymus reticulatus

Description: The reticulated dragonet has a similar body shape to the common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) but tends to be much smaller, 8-10cm in length compared with 20-30cm. Both males and females have numerous pale blue spots on their sides and four dark saddle-like markings across the back. The saddle markings are surrounded by a clearly defined darker outline.

Habitat: The reticulated dragonet usually occurs on coarse sand or gravel from the low shore to 40m depth.

Distribution: In the British Isles this species is restricted to southern and western coasts and the Irish Sea.

Similar Species: This species is similar to the common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) but can be distinguished by the sharply defined outline surrounding the saddle markings on the back.

Key Identification Features:


 Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Callionymus reticulatus (Valenciennes, 1837). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZG7020 Accessed on 2016-12-11

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