Cozumel fish ID

[ColoDale]

I found this small fish in Cozumel at about 30-40 feet in a sand channel on a reef. It is about 3/8 to 1/2 inch long. I don't think it is an adult and could just be passed larvae stage. The pectoral fins still have a gill appearance. What is it?

 

[scubadada]

Maybe a Palehead Blenny

 

[ColoDale]

I am not thinking blenny since there is no cirri above the eyes. However this may be juvenile or just post larvae so maybe. I am leaning towards a dragonet. The Lancer Dragonet is similiar especially the lips but mine has bands. Again could be juvenile. I am hoping someone recognizes it.

 

[tursiops]

I'm thinking juv Lancer Dragonet.

 

[cgills]

Definitely Dragonet, but think adult not juvenile.

 

[ColoDale]

Definitely Dragonet, but think adult not juvenile.

I agree on dragonet but the pectoral fins look like gills turning into fins. I know nada about dragonets so if it's adult and the info I have looked up (Humann and Deloach), show definite fins. Any idea how this can be or maybe the dragonet I have is supposed to have these?

 

[cgills]

I agree on dragonet but the pectoral fins look like gills turning into fins. I know nada about dragonets so if it's adult and the info I have looked up (Humann and Deloach), show definite fins. Any idea how this can be or maybe the dragonet I have is supposed to have these?

Not sure. but know I have photographed same Dragonet on Grand Cayman.

 

[scubadada]

I'm convinced, looks like you can see the dorsal fin in the first 2 shots

 

[ColoDale]

OK. Thanks. I see the forward dorsal that stands up and the clear fin towards the back and those seem consistent. The lips are unique and consistent. The pectoral fins have me baffled. Unless someone says different I think dragonet.

 

[tursiops]

Definitely Dragonet, but think adult not juvenile.

At 3/4 inch long? That's about half the size of the reported adults.