Blue-Spotted Dragonet

The 🇮🇳 Indian Blue-Spotted Dragonet, scientifically known as Diplogrammus infulatus and also referred to as the Ocean Fold Dragonet or Sawspine Dragonet, is a species of small tropical marine fish in the dragonet family. This vibrant fish is native to the Western 🌊 Indian Ocean, spanning from the 🌊 Red Sea to Delagoa Bay in 🇲🇿 Mozambique.

The dragonet inhabits shallow marine environments, often found in tide pools with seaweeds and waters ranging from 1 to 20 meters (approximately 3 to 66 feet) in depth, although it is most commonly observed at depths between 1 and 10 meters (around 3 to 33 feet).

The fish can grow to a maximum size of about 12 centimeters (roughly 4.7 inches). It is characterized by its unique coloration and fin structure. Males exhibit a golden hue on their upper surfaces, adorned with silvery mottlings, darker spots, and distinctive dark blue lateral spots. Females, on the other hand, display a predominantly buff coloration. A notable feature of this species is the striking blue lines radiating from below their eyes.

In terms of fin anatomy, the 🇮🇳 Indian Blue-Spotted Dragonet possesses four dorsal spines and eight dorsal soft rays, while the anal fin is distinguished by the absence of spines, containing seven soft rays. The name "Diplogrammus" comes from the Greek words "diploos," meaning twice, and "gramma," meaning mark or signal, possibly referring to the fish's distinct markings.