Callionymus marleyi Regan, 1919
Sand dragonet
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: southern Red Sea to the Cape of Good Hope, the Persian Gulf, and southwestern India (Ref. 9608, 4405).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Color varies from yellow to dark brown; 1st dorsal fin of males light grey with dark lines, 1st and 4th spines longest; 1st dorsal fin of females black, 1st spine longest, 4th spine shortest (Ref. 4405).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow sandy bottoms (Ref. 5213). Feeds on benthic crustaceans, worms and snails (Ref. 9608).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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