Callionymus decoratus (Gilbert, 1905)
The dragonets are a large family of small, well-camouflaged, bottom-dwelling fishes usually found on sand, rubble or mud. Many bury themselves when threatened and most are less than 3 in. long. They have flattened triangular heads, high bulbous eyes, and little pointed snouts. The Longtail Dragonet is by far the largest of the seven dragonet species recorded from local waters and can sometimes be seen from shore along protected sandy beaches, foraging in waters a few inches deep. It also occurs to depths of over 300 ft. Colored to match the bottom, it can bury itself if alarmed. Most remarkable is its tail fin, which in males is longer than the body. In females the tail is only half body length. To almost 12 in. Endemic. Photo: “Kahala Barge” (south shore O`ahu). 90 ft.