Scooter Dragonete (Synchiropus ocellatus)

The Scooter Dragonet, also known as the Ocellated Dragonet, is a peaceful and fascinating reef-safe fish that captivates aquarists with its unique appearance and behavior. It has a mottled brown body with intricate patterns and spots, and its distinctive "scooting" movement across the substrate makes it a delightful addition to a mature reef or community tank. This dragonet requires a well-established tank with a thriving population of copepods or consistent supplemental feeding.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3.5 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; best suited for mature tanks with a sandy substrate and live rock for grazing.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on copepods, amphipods, and other small crustaceans. In captivity, it may accept frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods, though a thriving natural pod population is essential for long-term success.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; coexists well with other non-aggressive fish. Avoid housing with species that may outcompete it for food.
• Skill Level: Advanced; requires a stable, mature tank with an abundant food supply.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for reef setups.

Special Features - Unique Behavior and Grazing Habits
The Scooter Dragonet’s "scooting" movement across the substrate and rockwork as it forages for food adds charm and activity to the aquarium. Its constant grazing helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Compatibility
This dragonet is peaceful and thrives in community tanks with non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid housing it with fast-feeding or aggressive fish that may outcompete it for food. A stable and mature environment is crucial for its success.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Scooter Dragonet features a mottled brown and tan body with intricate patterns and spots, helping it blend into sandy and rocky environments. Its subtle beauty and intriguing behavior make it a standout addition.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in coral-rich reef zones with sandy bottoms and rubble where it forages for small prey.
• Tank Setup: Requires a mature tank with live rock for grazing and a sandy substrate for natural behavior.

Special Considerations

• Feeding Challenges: This species relies heavily on natural prey like copepods and amphipods. Supplemental feedings may be necessary, but it can be difficult to transition to prepared foods.
• Pod Population: A mature tank with a thriving copepod population is vital for its health and survival.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly or in mated pairs. Avoid housing multiple males in smaller tanks to prevent territorial disputes.