Dragonet Callionymus lyra Occurs on sand and muddy bottoms. Feeds on small invertebrates, mainly worms and crustaceans. Territorial, males aggressive with each other. Complex courtship behavior consists of 4 phases: courtship, pairing, ascending, releasing eggs and milt. Pelagic eggs and larvae. They have a spike on the dorsal fin and if anoyed they lift the spike and fin. This photograph was taken at the caves on the south of Loch Long.

Back to last page

Picture by John Nicolson