Ocellated Dragonet

The Ocellated Dragonet, also commonly known as the Scooter Blenny, is a fascinating little reef fish known for its intricate patterning, oversized fins and entertaining bottom-dwelling personality. Despite its common name, the Scooter Blenny is actually a dragonet, closely related to Mandarin Dragonets.

Rather than swimming continuously through the water column, Ocellated Dragonets spend much of their day hopping and scooting across rockwork and substrate, searching for tiny crustaceans and other microorganisms to eat.

They are generally very peaceful and reef safe, making them excellent inhabitants for established reef aquariums. However, their specialized feeding habits are important to consider. Ocellated Dragonets naturally feed throughout the day on copepods and other tiny live prey, so mature aquariums with established microfauna are ideal.

Specimens that have been successfully conditioned onto frozen or prepared foods are considerably easier to maintain. Offer small foods such as copepods, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped mysis and other appropriately sized meaty foods.

Ocellated Dragonets are peaceful toward most tankmates, although males may display territorial behaviour toward other male dragonets.

Scientific Name: Synchiropus ocellatus
Common Name: Ocellated Dragonet / Scooter Blenny
Maximum Size: Approximately 3”
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Carnivore / Microfauna Feeder
Care Level: Moderate
Recommended Tank Size: 30+ gallons, preferably mature and established
Origin: Indo-Pacific

✨ Interesting Fact: During courtship, Ocellated Dragonets can rise together into the water column while displaying their fins before spawning. Males are particularly impressive when they extend their large dorsal fin.