The Painted Stinkfish (Eocallionymus papilio) is small fish species that has colourful facial and dorsal fin markings. It belongs to the fish family know as Dragonets (Callionymidae). Dragonets are benthic species (spend their time on the bottom) and will often bury themselves in the sand. The Painted Stinkfish can be found from southern Queensland around the south to South-western Australia. The species is generally found in sheltered estuaries but has also been found on coastal reefs. It can be found from depths of 1 metre to 50 metres.
Males have much brighter colours than females and the colours between individuals can be highly variable. Males and female Painted Stinkfish have been observed coming together on the bottom and then swimming upwards joined together as they are mating. They rise with their ventral fins together so that they can spawn, the eggs will float away in the water column and the larvae are planktonic. The Painted Stinkfish grows to approximately 10cm.
