Ocellated Dragonet
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Image:Synchiropus ocellatus.jpg
This little dragonet needs an aquarium with plenty of live substrates to ensure it gets enough to eat. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This interesting little dragonet is usually indifferent toward other fishes, although it may be pestered by more pugnacious fishes. Like other members of the family, this species has a hard time competing for food with more vigorous eaters.
Family: Callionymidae
Other common name(s):
- Mandarin-fish
Native range:
Habitat: In the wild, this species inhabits sandy areas of lagoon and seaward reefs. It is also found in small, loose groups in sheltered rocky reef habitats.
Maximum length: 6 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
It will eat black worms, live brine shrimp, and mysid shrimp. Target feeding is often needed to ensure it gets enough to eat. Feed three times per day in a tank without live sand.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
It may quarrel with members of its own kind in a small tank, but if your tank is large enough (has enough surface area) more than one male can be kept, although keeping a male with one or more females is more prudent. All should be introduced simultaneously.
[edit] Special Care
Keep in a tank with a bed of well-established live sand, possibly with an attached refugium.
[edit] Notes
It is sexually dimorphic, with males getting larger than females and having a larger first dorsal fin.
| Common name | Ocellated Dragonet +, and Mandarin-fish + |
| Family | Callionymidae + |
| Genus | Synchiropus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 2 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 20 gal + |
| Native range | Western Pacific +, Southern Japan +, Marquesan Islands +, and Eastern Indian Ocean + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | ocellatus + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |