Ocellated Dragonet

Synchiropus ocellatus, commonly known as the Scooter Blenny or Ocellated Dragonet, is a fascinating bottom-dwelling marine fish, beloved for its quirky movement, intricate patterns, and endearing personality. Despite the common name “blenny,” this species is actually a dragonet, easily recognized by its elongated body, wing-like pectoral fins, and beautifully mottled coloration. Males often exhibit an extended dorsal fin adorned with eye-catching spots, which they raise during displays of courtship or territorial behavior.

Native to the sandy and rubble zones of the Indo-Pacific, the Scooter Blenny typically reaches a size of 79 cm and requires a tank of at least 150 litres. A well-established reef tank with a mature sand bed and plenty of live rock is crucial for this species, as it spends most of its time hopping across the substrate, foraging for copepods and other microfauna. Their slow, gliding movements and cryptic behavior make them a unique addition to peaceful community tanks.

Scooter Blennies are best kept singly or in established male-female pairs, as males can be territorial toward one another. They are reef-safe and coexist peacefully with corals and non-aggressive tank mates. However, their specialized diet can be challenging for inexperienced aquarists. They primarily feed on live microcrustaceans, and while some individuals may accept prepared or frozen foods like enriched brine or mysis shrimp, most require a robust population of copepods to thrive.