Whitespotted dragonet
📖 Overview
Whitespotted dragonet (Callionymus beniteguri), first described by Jordan & Snyder, 1900 is a medium-sized fish in the family Callionymidae (order Callionymiformes). Adults typically reach 22.70 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Callionymidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Preopercular spine short. In male, 1st and 2nd dorsal spines elongate and filamentous; anal fin membrane with many dark oblique lines. In the female, the posterior half of the 1st dorsal fin black. In the female and young male, marbled brown-colored area on lateral side of body rimmed with many small white circles. Attains 16 cm SL.: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Whitespotted dragonet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Temperate Northwest Pacific: central Japan and the East China Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Whitespotted 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 Whitespotted dragonet is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Whitespotted dragonet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callionymus kanekonis | Tanaka | 1917 | Synonym |
| Repomucenus beniteguri | Jordan & Snyder | 1900 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Whitespotted dragonet.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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