Quick Stats
Moderate |
Temperament
Peaceful |
Color Form
Brown, White, Black, Mottled |
Diet
Carnivore |
Reef Compatible
Yes |
sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
3-4″ |
Family
Callionymidae |
Minimum Tank Size
30 gallons |
Description
The Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus), also known as the Ocellated Dragonet, is a small, peaceful fish that makes a charming addition to a marine aquarium. Its mottled brown, black, and white coloration helps it blend perfectly with live rock and sand, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. It features fascinating fin and body patterns, making it a visually interesting fish to observe as it “scoots” along the tank’s substrate.
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Scooter Blennies are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and copepods. Because of their specific dietary needs, they can be a challenge to care for in home aquariums without sufficient live food or established refugium systems to provide natural food sources. They may also accept prepared foods such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, but it can take time to wean them onto these in captivity.
Scooter Blennies are generally reef safe, as they pose no threat to corals or invertebrates. They are known for their active bottom-dwelling behavior and prefer tanks with plenty of live rock to graze on, as well as a sand substrate to explore. Although peaceful, they can be shy, so it’s important to house them with other peaceful tank mates.
A well-established tank with a thriving population of copepods and other natural prey is essential for the long-term success of a Scooter Blenny, making it a better fit for experienced aquarists.