Callionymidae
by R. Fricke
Body without scales. Enlarged preopercular spine, no spines on operculum and suboperculum. Two dorsals (except for the Japanese genus Draculo); Dl III-IV; D2 6-10; A 8-10 (Clofnam area), anal rays not divided (except for the last, which is divided at base); P 15-20; pelvics jugular. Gill openings reduced to pores. Lateral line present, consisting of pores.
Benthic, in temperate and warm seas; on sandy and muddy bottoms, sometimes under stones, from tidal zone to 650 m. Most species rare, a few species moderately common or common. Oviparous, pelagic eggs and larvae. Most species territorial, males aggressive to each other. Complex courtship behaviour with 4 phases: courtship, pairing, ascending, releasing eggs and milt. Only occasional in nets, no commercial importance; sometimes fried and eaten in the Mediterranean area. Occasionally used to produce fish meal.
Genera 11; in Clofnam area 3.
Recent revision: Fricke (1983, Indo-Pacific species).