Hatchery Bred Dragonets Now Available
We did it!
Sustainable Aquatics has successfully bred red scooter (aka red marbled) dragonets.
Dragonets are pelagic spawners. The eggs of pelagic spawners are relatively small. On hatch, the yolk is quickly exhausted requiring the larvae to start hunting live prey within 24 hours post hatch. The newborns are undeveloped, poor hunters with small mouth gapes that limits the type of prey they can initially eat. There has to be enough prey in the system for them to find ( or vice versa!) yet as the bio-density rises, so do contaminants. Getting enough of the right prey into the system while maintaining exceptional water quality makes them our most challenging class of fish for us to breed in quantity. The techniques we developed for dragonets apply to other pelagic spawners. Stay tuned for more announcements....
All about Dragonets
Dragonets are among the most visually stunning and unique fish you can add to a saltwater aquarium. With their vivid colors, delicate fins, and captivating movements, they can be a mesmerizing sight in a well-maintained reef tank. However, before you dive into adding a dragonet to your aquarium, there are a few things you should know about their care and requirements. Here’s an overview of dragonets, their needs, and how you can provide the best environment for these fascinating creatures.
What Are Dragonets?
Dragonets are small, bottom-dwelling fish that belong to the family Callionymidae. They are often recognized by their dragon-like appearance, with large, elongated fins, vibrant coloration, and a somewhat mystical look. There are several species of dragonets, with the most commonly kept ones in aquariums being the Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) the Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus ocellatus) and the Red Scooter Dragonet (Synchiropus stellatus). These species are particularly popular for their unique, iridescent scales and quirky personalities.=
Mandarins are perhaps the most well-known dragonets in the aquarium hobby. Their blue and orange hues, combined with their intricate patterns, make them a favorite among aquarists. However, despite their beauty, dragonets are known to be challenging to care for, especially for beginners.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size and Environment
Dragonets are best suited for mature, well-established tanks. They require a stable, well-maintained reef environment with plenty of live rock and sand. A tank size of at least 10 gallons is generally recommended for keeping a single dragonet. Since these fish are bottom-dwellers, they benefit from a soft, sandy substrate where they can forage for food.
Dragonets prefer calm waters and gentle filtration. While they do enjoy swimming, they don’t need fast-moving currents, as they are not strong swimmers. A good quality protein skimmer and efficient biological filtration are essential to maintain water quality.
- Dietary Needs
One of the biggest challenges with keeping dragonets in an aquarium is their diet. Dragonets are natural predators of tiny copepods, amphipods, and other small invertebrates found in the substrate. In the wild, they spend most of their time hunting for these creatures, but replicating this environment in a closed system can be tricky typically requiring you culture copepods or supplement their diet with other foods, such as frozen brine or mysis shrimp.
Not any more. Our Red Scooters readily eat .8 mm SA Hatchery Feed simplifying life for the aquarist.
- Tankmates
Dragonets are generally peaceful fish and do well with other non-aggressive species, such as gobies, wrasses, and peaceful reef tank inhabitants. However, they are relatively slow swimmers and can struggle to compete for food with faster, more aggressive fish. It’s crucial to ensure that your dragonet gets enough food without being outcompeted by tankmates.
Benefits of Keeping Dragonets in Your Tank
Despite the care requirements, dragonets offer several benefits to your aquarium. Their stunning coloration and unique behavior make them a focal point in a reef tank. Additionally, dragonets can help manage populations of copepods and other small invertebrates, contributing to the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.
Conclusion
Dragonets are a beautiful and intriguing addition to a reef tank, but they do require careful attention to their dietary needs and habitat. By maintaining a mature tank with plenty of live rock, using SA Hatchery diet, and selecting appropriate tankmates, you can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of these incredible fish for years to come.