Dragonets are benthic-dwelling fishes, often found on sandy or muddy substrates, among weeds and in coral reefs. They live from intertidal pools and the surf zone to depths of about 800 m. They are pelagic spawners, spawn in pairs, usually at sunset, ascending into the water column about 1 m above the bottom. They feed mainly on benthic invertebrates. Most species are reported to secrete toxic substance and have foul smell.
Dragonets is a big family with 20 genera and about 200 species worldwide.