🐠 Fingered Dragonet (Dactylopus dactylopus)
Bottom Dweller • Sand Sifter • Display Fish • Reef-Associated
 
📋 The Fingered Dragonet (Dactylopus dactylopus) is one of the ocean’s most fascinating bottom-dwellers. Distinguished by its elongated body, ornate pectoral fins resembling “fingers”, and mottled blue and brown coloration, this species glides gracefully over sandy substrates, using its fins to “walk” in search of food.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, it prefers open sandy areas near reef bases or seagrass beds. Males display impressive, sail-like dorsal fins during courtship and territorial displays. Despite its beauty, the species requires mature aquariums with thriving microfauna to support its natural feeding behavior.
A captivating show fish for advanced aquarists, the Fingered Dragonet adds elegance, movement, and rare character to established reef systems.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Graceful movement: “walks” on pectoral fins across the substrate
⚪ Spectacular dorsal fin display: especially in mature males
📏 Large for a dragonet: reaches up to 30 cm (12")
✅ Reef compatible: safe with corals and most invertebrates
🐠 Rarely seen species: adds exotic charm to display tanks