Dragonets/Mandarinfishes

These fishes belong in the "Order Perciformes" and "Suborder Callionymoidei" as members of the "Family Callionymidae" (Dragonets) consisting of 11 genera, and 155 species.

One of the most desirable fishes for the larger reef aquariums. They do well in this type environment with its live rocks, hiding places and a steady supply of small live crustaceans. In fact, they should only be kept in an aquarium where there is a constant supply of live food, otherwise, they will starve to death. Numerous females can be kept in the same aquarium, yet two males will fight until only one remains. They are extremely colorful, peaceful, fairly hardy, and usually inexpensive.