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(neosynchiropus ocellatus)
Saltwater
Found in the Western Pacific, this popular fish is really a dragonet, and is also known as a Scooter Dragonet and a Ocellated Dragonet. Its body is mottled brown and white with red highlights. These colors help it camouflage itself. Their eyes are mounted on the top of the head and constantly moving. This fish has large ventricle fins, which help them perch on a rock while moving about. The male has brighter colors and a larger dorsal fin that he erects and spreads to attract females and scare away rivals. If another male isn't scared away, they will meet and lock lips, violently shaking each other. The name "Scooter" is given because these fish scoot around on live sand and rock looking for dinner; preferably amphipods and copepods. This is a difficult fish to care for due to their nutritional requirements.
Size: 1 1/2" to 2 1/2"; can get up to 3"
No. in Tank: More than one is OK in ratios of 2 or 3 females for each male, and they need to be added to the aquarium together.
Tank: min. 80 gallon, larger with more than one fish.
Temperament: Peaceful. Rarely agitate other bottom dwelling fish.
Food: (Carnivore) Prefers copepods, amphipods and other hard to see plankton-sized invertebrates. Offer prepared carnivore feeds that will not dissolve, knowing that it takes time to get this fish to eat such foods, if it ever will. Best to have a large natural supply of algae where this fish can find the needed anthropods. Do not overfeed!
Light: Medium
Adaptability: Needs a well-established reef aquarium with plenty of hiding places and live sand to supply its nutritional need of anthropods. Large growths of algae, including hair algae, is ideal for culturing the anthropods needed for these fish to survive.
Compatibility: Not a fish for community aquariums or with aggressive fish.
**BEST FOR AN EXPERIENCE AQUARIST
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