Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Synchiropus

Synchiropus moyeri

Zaiser & Fricke, 1985

Ruby Red Dragonet, Moyer’s Dragonet

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Western Pacific Ocean: Widespread.

Size: 3 inches (7 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow and protected sandy and rubble areas along coastal reefs and usually found at depths between 3 – 100 feet (1 – 30 m) where it feeds on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton. Often appears in small groups, always dominated by a single male.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and having a mottled reddish and white body.

Best maintained in well-established fish-only or reef aquariums with wide-open sandy areas and a steady supply of naturally existing small live crustaceans to feed upon.

Should not be housed with aggressive, fin-nipping fishes, as this is a slow moving species and also with a high dorsal fin.

As to diet, should there not be enough naturally found live food to consume, target feeding may be necessary, and if so, live adult fortified brine shrimp and black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus) should be fed as often as necessary to maintain its health.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Callionymoidei

    Family: Callionymidae

    Genus: Synchiropus

FYI: One male per tank.

Experience Level: Expert

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Synchiropus moyeri   (Ruby Red Dragonet, Moyer’s Dragonet)
Photo © Jim Greenfield
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