Description: The spotted dragonet has a similar body shape to the common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) but tends to be much smaller, with females reaching up to 12 cm in length and males up to 16 cm. This species of dragonet does not have the dark saddle-like markings across the back, instead they have dark red-brown blotches. Their relatively large eyes are quite high set on their head making them appear quite prominent, and usually the top half of the eye is lighter in colour. Males have white and electric blue speckling on the side of their face and on their pectoral fins, and mature males may have yellow and electric blue facial markings. Overall body colouration is a pinkish-brown with brown and light-coloured spotting.

Habitat: Prefers soft mud or muddy sand, usually in deeper water.

Distribution: Most records of these species are from the Irish Sea but there are scattered records from all around Britain and Ireland where there is suitable habitat.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other dragonets, although the lack of dark saddle markings helps distinguish this species from the others. Muddy habitat may also help to separate this species.

Key Identification Features:

• No saddle-like markings on back.
• Large, high-set eyes, with lighter coloured upper half.
• Males have electric blue and white speckling on face and pectoral fins.

Distribution Map from NBN: Callionymus maculatus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Callionymus maculatus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Callionymus maculatus

WoRMS: Callionymus maculatus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Callionymus maculatus Rafinesque, 1810. AphiaID: 126793.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Callionymiformes; Callionymidae; Callionymus