About Synchiropus morrisoni Schultz, 1960
Scientific Name and Size
Morrison's dragonet (Synchiropus morrisoni Schultz, 1960) is a small fish, reaching a maximum recorded size of about 7 cm (2.8 in). Its soft dorsal rays are branched.
Dorsal Fin Sexual Dimorphism
Males have a first dorsal fin that is much taller than the second dorsal fin, while females have a shorter first dorsal fin.
General Body Coloration
The species has a mottled red body marked with white spots of variable sizes, and a dark brown blotch covers at least half of the base of the pectoral fin.
Male Specific Coloration
In males, the first dorsal fin has narrow bars edged with light blue, and the lower head and front of the body have blue dots.
Species Distribution
This dragonet is distributed from Japan to Australia, and ranges eastwards to the Marshall Islands and Fiji.
Habitat
It inhabits algal-covered rocks on the seaward sides of reefs.
Depth Range
In most coral reef areas, it is rarely found at depths shallower than 25 metres (82 ft).
