Starry Dragonet
(Synchiropus stellatus)

Descrição

Starry Dragonet: A Dazzling Jewel for Your Reef Aquarium

Add a touch of celestial beauty to your marine display with the captivating Starry Dragonet. Its unique colours and deliberate movements offer endless fascination for the dedicated aquarist.

Overview

The Starry Dragonet (*Synchiropus stellatus*), also known as the Red Scooter Dragonet, boasts an enchanting mottled pattern of red, white, and dark sepia spots across its body. Males exhibit brighter colours and a noticeably elongated first dorsal fin. These peaceful bottom-dwellers spend their days gracefully perching and meticulously searching live rock and sand for their microscopic prey, adding dynamic, intricate activity to your established marine environment.

Care Level

Considered an advanced care level species, the Starry Dragonet is generally peaceful but males are highly territorial towards each other; only one male or a bonded pair should be kept per aquarium. They thrive with docile tankmates and require a mature, well-established system to ensure a constant food source. Responsible fishkeeping includes providing a tranquil environment away from aggressive species.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 100 litres is recommended for a single Starry Dragonet, with larger volumes (200 litres+) ideal for a pair or community setup. Crucially, your aquarium must be well-matured (6+ months old) with ample live rock and a deep sand bed to cultivate a robust population of copepods and amphipods for their grazing needs. Maintain stable water parameters with a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and temperatures between 24-28°C.

Diet

Starry Dragonets are carnivorous micro-predators, primarily feeding on copepods and amphipods that naturally inhabit live rock and sand. While some may learn to accept small, vitamin-enriched frozen foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp, a continuous supply of live prey is essential for their long-term health. They are slow, deliberate feeders and should not compete heavily for food.

Why Buy From Us

When you choose to buy Starry Dragonet online from us, you’re investing in healthy aquarium fish. We prioritise ethical sourcing and humane shipping to ensure your new marine inhabitants arrive in prime condition, ready to flourish in your carefully prepared reef tank. Our commitment to quality helps you build a vibrant, sustainable aquatic ecosystem.

• Scientific Name: Synchiropus stellatus
• Common Name / Variant: Starry Dragonet / Red Scooter Dragonet
• Maximum Size: 7.5 cm
• Origin: Indian Ocean
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Bring the quiet grace of a Starry Dragonet to your reef today!