Synchiropus stellatus Smith, 1963
Starry dragonet
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: East Africa (Ref. 4405) to Sumatra, Indonesia. Also around oceanic islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Body mottled pink or gold above with silvery spots between dark sepia stellate blotches, silvery with dark red spots below; first dorsal fin with lines and ocelli in males, black with white margin distally in females (Ref. 4405).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal protected reefs on rubble or algal covered rocks (Ref. 48636). Minimum depth of 5 m reported from Ref. 90102.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 March 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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