Fish ID Bali

[Bali Diver]

I was diving on the wreck at Tulamben in Bali and having a good look around the rocks coming into shore it was at dusk and i saw what i thought was a Madarinfish but it was just brown in colour and thought it cant be and i have always wondered what it was,for sure it belongs to the Dragonet family but it was exactly like Mandarinfish is it possible that they maybe that colour as they mature.

Be interested in your thoughts on this

 

[SharkLover]

I was diving on the wreck at Tulamben in Bali and having a good look around the rocks coming into shore it was at dusk and i saw what i thought was a Madarinfish but it was just brown in colour and thought it cant be and i have always wondered what it was,for sure it belongs to the Dragonet family but it was exactly like Mandarinfish is it possible that they maybe that colour as they mature.

Be interested in your thoughts on this

This is a male, the females are smaller and are a bit lighter in color:

 

[_Bella_]

It could have been another species.

There are two other species that are similar to the mandarinfish Synchiropus splendidus. Both of which might be described as brownish.
Picturesque dragonet Synchiropus picturatus:

and Circled dragonet Synchiropus circularis:

 

[Bali Diver]

Nice pictures Sharklover/Bella there was no marking just brown in colour thats what i thought was strange when i saw it.

 

[_Bella_]

Without any kind of photo, it could be anything. There are so many dragonet species reported around Indonesia that it would be hard to take another guess. Sounds like you'll have to make your way back to Bali with a camera.

 

[Bali Diver]

Yep ! Bella will be checking out along those rocks next time,hopefully October and i did get a clip of it on video but filmed over it i am really wondering if in juvenile stage if Mandarinfish could be just brown in colour i know my species this is why am really wondering on this one