Callionymus reticulatus (Valenciennes, 1837)

Reticulated Dragonet

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:

• Flattened head and body
• Triangular shaped head with eyes on top
• Two dorsal fins, fist one triangular shaped
• Blue spots on sides
• Four saddle-like markings on back with sharply defined outline

Distribution Map from BioMar data for Ireland - Google Earth map:  download this placemark (not got Google Earth installed?)

Distribution Map from NBN: JNCC MNCR Seasearch data - Grid map : Interactive map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.