Scientific Name: Synchiropus ocellatus
Alt Scientific Name: Neosynchiropus ocellatus, Callionymus ocellatus
Common Name: Scooter Blenny
Alt Common Name: Ocelatted Dragonet, Scooter Dragonet
Group: Blennies (Blenny Fishes)
Family: Callionymidae
Distribution: Western Pacific
Adult Size: 3 inches (7.6cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Difficulty: 8/10
Very Easy |
Moderate |
Very Difficult |
Reef Safety Score : 3/3
Not Safe |
High Risk |
Low Risk |
Reef Safe |
Temperature Range: 76°F - 82°F
74 |
76 |
78 |
80 |
82 |
84 |
pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4
7.8 |
8.0 |
8.2 |
8.4 |
8.6 |
8.8 |
Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.022 - 1.026
1.016 |
1.020 |
1.024 |
1.028 |
1.032 |
1.036 |
Diet Information: Carnivorous - eats small crustaceans and other small marine organisms. They will sift through the sand looking for food and the small pointed shape of their mouth is ideal for catching microfauna. Live brine is ideal for the aquarium, very small particles of meaty foods can also be offered.
Additional Information :
Typical of the dragonets, the Scooter Blenny is a small fish with a rather large head. and large ventral fins that it uses to perch on rocks as it moves around. Its eyes are mounted on top of the head busily looking around, and its mouth is small and pointed. Typical coloring consists of a starry pattern of black with white blotches and bright blue spots on the head, making for great camouflage in their natural habitat.
The Scooter Blenny can be easy to keep if provided the right environment and an adequate diet. This is very important. They are ideal in a large reef environment with lots of live rock. Algae growing on the live rock will provide a natural setting for the growth of tiny arthropods, a natural food for these fish. Provide a sandy substrate, with live sand being even better, and be sure there are plenty of caves and hiding places.
Tank Mate Compatibility : This species will do well in a community tank. Care should be taken to ensure that other species do not compete with the scooter blenny for food.
Breeding Information: Breeding in captivity is not known to have occurred.
Determining Sex: Males have a larger extension of the first dorsal fin.
Primary Area in Tank: All over
