Belcher's dragonet
📖 Overview
Belcher's dragonet (Callionymus belcheri) is a ray-finned fish of the family Callionymidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 10 cm. It occurs at depths between 18 and 36 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal soft rays: 8. Head and body yellowish to brown. Back with many small white spots. Sides of body with white blotches surrounded with dark brown. Belly whitish first dorsal fin brownish, distal margin often blackish, in males with white spots. Second dorsal fin with light and dark streaks or small white spots. Anal fin in males with a dark streak, in females colourless or with distal dark spots. Lower two-thirds of caudal fin spotted with brown. Ventral margin of preopercular spine concave (Ref 42832).: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Belcher's dragonet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Belcher's dragonet is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 18 - 36 m . Tropical Central Pacific: northwestern Australia and Papua New Guinea (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Belcher's dragonet is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Belcher's dragonet is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Belcher's dragonet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Belcher's Dragonet |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Mandarim-vietnamita |
| 🌍VIE | Cá chai |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 狗圻 · 白氏 · 老鼠 · 貝氏 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callionymus belcheri belcheri | Richardson | 1844 | Synonym |
| Callionymus belcheri recurvispinis | Li | 1966 | Synonym |
| Callionymus recurvispinnis | Li | 1966 | Synonym |
| Calliurichthys belcheri | Richardson | 1844 | Synonym |
| Calliurichthys recurvispinnis | Li | 1966 | Synonym |
| Repomucenus belcheri | Richardson | 1844 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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