Callionymus lyra is the largest (up to 30 cm) and most common dragonet in UK waters. Small specimens could be confused with gobies. However, the broader and triangular head distinguishes it, together with a longer snout and jutting lower jaw. Mature males have elongate dorsal and caudal fin rays, the second dorsal being yellowish with bright blue longitudinal stripes and bright blue marks on the head and body. Females and immature males are brown and lighter ventrally with a series of 6 brown blotches along the sides. Three symmetrical brown saddles are present along the back with indistinct darker stripes lengthwise on the second dorsal fin. Females are usually up to 20 cm long and males up to 30 cm. This species can blend perfectly with coarse sand or gravel substrata. The fins are often folded down when the fish is on the sea bed.Dragonets are small fish of shallow inshore waters. They are demersal and often found partially buried in sand or shell gravel. Adaptations to this mode of life include the dorsally situated gill opening and the flattened body shape. The diet of Callionymus lyra consists mainly of polychaete worms, amphipod crustaceans and molluscs, especially cockles.