Anaora tentaculata Gray, 1835
Tentacled dragonet
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Max. size:  6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Moluccas, Philippines, Ryukyu Islands, Palau, Yap, and Guam.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Identified by moderately long tentacle behind the eye and numerous small leafy appendages on the body (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Inhabits sand of shallow reefs, from tide pools to as deep as 30 m (Ref. 1602). Also inhabits sheltered reef lagoon habitats, usually in on algae reef near seagrass beds (Ref. 48636). Occurs solitary in weedy areas and sand-rubble bottoms (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 March 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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