Mandarin Dragonet

[Husein]

Hello everybody.Wonder how much they are toxic to humans.Hate to read half butt articles online saying only ' be careful''toxic.But for whom or what???Please give some info.Thank you

 

[Mal11224]

I'm not quite sure they are toxic fish. I have two and have never read that about them. They are, however, picky eaters and have a slime coat that makes the resistant to some diseases. They eat copepods and amphipods and may eat frozen treats if you're lucky.

 

[Husein]

Any others please

 

[Flippers4pups]

Nope, no toxins in or associated with Mandarin dragonets.

Never heard or read any articles regarding Mandarin's having any warnings about being toxic. I've owned several over the years since 93. Nothing, other than picky eaters.

Quite honest, first time I've ever read anyone questioning toxicity about them.

 

[dealseer]

You must be confusing this fish with another

 

[Husein]

Thank you ..There are very few out there,i dont know how to attach them.Probably they talking about mucus they coat them self to protect from predators.

 

[Husein]

cale-less, smelly and toxic
This petite beauty’s notorious odour is not incidental. Without scales, it lacks the most basic protective measures in the marine world. To make up for it, it produces two types of secretions through its colourful epidermis – a thick mucus to shield it from parasites and the elements, and a smelly, toxic mucus to deter predators.

Beware the tiny spines
This fish is covered in tiny spines that inject toxic mucus into anyone who tries to catch it. The venom isn’t that strong, and feels pretty much like getting poked with a toothpick, leaving a red spot that dissipates after a few minutes.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Thank you ..There are very few out there,i dont know how to attach them.Probably they talking about mucus they coat them self to protect from predators.

Must be a different fish your thinking of?

 

[Husein]

http://seaa.rwsentosablog.com/mandarinfish/

This is where i read.Just wondering

 

[Flippers4pups]

cale-less, smelly and toxic
This petite beauty’s notorious odour is not incidental. Without scales, it lacks the most basic protective measures in the marine world. To make up for it, it produces two types of secretions through its colourful epidermis – a thick mucus to shield it from parasites and the elements, and a smelly, toxic mucus to deter predators.

Beware the tiny spines
This fish is covered in tiny spines that inject toxic mucus into anyone who tries to catch it. The venom isn’t that strong, and feels pretty much like getting poked with a toothpick, leaving a red spot that dissipates after a few minutes.

Sounds like a scorpion fish.

 

[Kamden Uelton]

fingered dragonets are toxic, related but not the same and fingered dragonets only have spines on their fins

 

[Flippers4pups]

http://seaa.rwsentosablog.com/mandarinfish/

This is where i read.Just wondering

I've held them in my hand before, never "spinney" nor "smelly". Not quite sure where they are getting their information. Just my personal experience with these guys.

 

[Husein]

Thank you guys ,you rock.