Dragonet

This photo of dragonet is from a friend in Cairns. She took the photo a few years ago, in about 7 to 10 meters of water, among ruble and Acropora corals and came across another one last week.

She's exhausted her supply of critter ID books, and I couldn't find this in any of mine.

Anyone have an idea what species this might be?

Was the photo taken at the GBR?

Yes I believe so

I cant help with the ID but what a beautiful specimen it is.

Stew

Yeah, it's certainly a beautiful fish, whatever it is.

Yeah, it's certainly a beautiful fish, whatever it is.

Synchiropus sp. ???

Received a tentative ID of Synchiropus bartelsi

This looks very different from the S. bartelsi that I saw before. I am still trying, and e-mailing some specialists. Will let you know when I hear anything back from them.

Gerry Allen has told me that this is Synchiropus circularis.

Thanks Nick!