Species Description…

Scientific Name: Dactylopus dactylopus

Common Name: Fingered Dragonet

Species Group: Dragonet

Habitat: Reef Safe with Caution

Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet Type: Carnivore

Role in Aquarium: Showpiece Fish

Max Fish Length: 11 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 50 (gallons)

Native Range: Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea and Australia

Dactylopus Dactylopus - The Fingered Dragonet

Dactylopus Dactylopus (The Fingered Dragonet)

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly inhabiting sandy bottoms and lagoon environments near coral reefs.
Easily identified by its elongated, slender body adorned with vibrant blue, yellow, and brown patterns, as well as distinctive finger-like appendages.
A peaceful, slow-moving bottom dweller that uses camouflage and stealth to avoid predators.
Known for its cautious and somewhat reclusive nature, usually spending time concealed among rocks and sand.
Thrives best in established aquariums with fine sand substrate, abundant live rock, and stable water conditions.

Carnivorous, primarily consuming copepods, amphipods, and small marine invertebrates in the wild.
Initially may only accept live foods; offering live copepods, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp is recommended.
Gradual introduction of frozen foods like enriched brine shrimp and mysis shrimp can help transition to prepared diets.
Should be fed several small meals daily due to its methodical and slow feeding habits.
Ensuring a varied diet maintains optimal health, enhances coloration, and supports natural foraging behaviors.

Prefers reef-associated environments with sandy bottoms, rubble patches, and areas of moderate water flow.
Frequently seen buried partially in sand or hidden within rocky crevices, relying heavily on camouflage.
Aquarium setups must include a deep, fine sandy substrate to accommodate natural burrowing and hiding behaviors.
Stable water parameters, moderate flow, and high-quality filtration systems are necessary for maintaining optimal conditions.
Providing shaded areas and structures for hiding enhances comfort and mimics its natural habitat.

Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) to promote metabolism and immune function.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, maintaining salinity at a stable level of 1.020-1.025.
Regular water changes, strict monitoring of parameters, and excellent filtration are crucial due to the fish's sensitivity to water quality.
Considered reef-safe, posing minimal risk to corals and invertebrates, though care should be taken with small crustaceans.
Maintaining consistent water quality and offering a varied diet reduces stress and promotes long-term health.

Peaceful by nature, best kept with other gentle and non-aggressive tankmates.
Compatible with small, peaceful fish such as gobies, dartfish, cardinalfish, and other non-aggressive reef species.
Should not be housed with aggressive or overly active species that might intimidate or outcompete it for food.
Best suited for peaceful reef aquariums with adequate hiding spaces and compatible tankmates.
Providing a stress-free environment with minimal competition for food encourages natural behavior and health.

Displays slow, deliberate movements while searching for food along the substrate or among live rock.
Frequently observed partially buried or hiding among the substrate, displaying cryptic behavior to avoid detection.
May initially be shy and reclusive, but gradually becomes more visible as it adjusts to aquarium life.
Providing a peaceful environment, stable conditions, and appropriate hiding spots supports natural behavior and reduces stress.
Over time, it may recognize the caretaker and exhibit increased curiosity during feeding sessions.