Spotted Dragonet

Identification

The spotted dragonet is a small bottom fish (10-16 cm) with a flattened head and elongated body. Color is sandy brown with numerous blue and brown spots on body and fins. Males are more colorful. Eyes sit atop the head, typical for bottom dwellers. Smaller and deeper-living than the common dragonet.

Ecology

Lives on sandy and muddy bottoms at 50-200 meters depth. Feeds on small bottom organisms such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. Presses flat against the seabed, nearly invisible through camouflage.

In the Netherlands

Found in the deeper North Sea. Occasionally appears as bycatch in beam trawls. Not a sport fish species.