Can I keep a Ruby Red Dragonet in a newly cycled tank?

No. New tanks lack the microfauna (copepods) that these fish require to survive. The aquarium should be well-established for at least six to twelve months before introducing a dragonet.

Will they eat frozen food or pellets?

While some specimens can be trained to accept frozen foods like calanus or mysis over time, the vast majority refuse prepared diets. You must ensure an adequate supply of live copepods.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Males have a significantly larger, sail-like first dorsal fin adorned with distinct yellow and black bands, which they flare for display. Females have much smaller, plainer dorsal fins.

Can I keep two males together?

It is highly discouraged. Males are very territorial towards their own kind and will usually fight to the death in the confines of a home aquarium.

Are they safe to keep with corals?

Yes, they are completely reef-safe. They spend their time perching on rocks and substrate hunting microscopic pests and will not nip at or damage coral polyps.

MarineMarineAdvanced

Ruby Red Dragonet

Synchiropus sycorax

A strikingly vibrant, miniature bottom-dweller that requires an established reef environment rich in microfauna to thrive.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 3 – 4 cm
Mature reef tank: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Abundant live rock and mature sandbed for microfauna cultivation

About the Ruby Red Dragonet

The Ruby Red Dragonet, formally described as Synchiropus sycorax in 2016, is a breathtaking addition to the marine aquarium trade. Reaching barely four centimetres in length, these fish captivate aquarists with their brilliant crimson colouration and, in males, spectacular sail-like dorsal fins. They spend their days meticulously inspecting live rock and sand for microscopic prey. Despite their peaceful demeanour, their highly specialised dietary needs make them suitable only for dedicated or advanced fishkeepers with well-established reef systems.

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Where Ruby Red Dragonet comes from

Native range

Western Central Pacific

Countries / regions

Philippines

Habitat

Rubble zones, coralline algae beds, and sandy patches in coral reefs

Primarily known from the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines.

Similar species

Mandarin Dragonet
Synchiropus splendidus
Spotted Mandarin
Synchiropus picturatus
Red Scooter Blenny
Synchiropus stellatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Occupy higher levels of the water column and do not compete for benthic copepods.
Great
Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
Peaceful, mid-water planktivores that leave the dragonet and its food source alone.
Great
Sixline Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Aggressive foragers that will quickly decimate the copepod population, leading to the dragonet starving.
Not recommended
Hawkfish
Cirrhitidae
Bottom-dwelling predators that may harass or attempt to consume small, slow-moving dragonets.
Not recommended

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