What Does “A Swarm of Dragonet Fish” Mean?
“Swarm” is a word usually reserved for insects or densely packed small creatures, and it’s applied to dragonet fish likely because of their small size and tendency to be found in loose aggregations over sandy or rubble-strewn seafloor near reefs.
Dragonet fish, which include the strikingly colored mandarinfish, are actually more often solitary or found in pairs than in true swarms; males are known for elaborate, showy courtship displays and territorial behavior toward other males, which works against large group living.
Example: “A small swarm of dragonet fish darted between coral rubble, flashing brief bursts of iridescent color.”
Other Collective Nouns for Dragonet Fish
“Swarm” is the only collective noun recorded for dragonet fish so far. See the full Collective Nouns for Fish list.
A Few Dragonet Fish Facts
- The mandarinfish, a type of dragonet, is considered one of the most vividly colored fish in the ocean, with a psychedelic pattern of blue, orange, and green.
- Dragonet fish lack scales; instead, their skin is covered in a protective mucus layer.
- Male dragonets perform slow, rising courtship dances at dusk to attract females.
Before They Dart Off…
For fish this flashy, “swarm” almost undersells the show; a duet would be more accurate than a crowd.