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About Ruby Red Dragonet

The Ruby Red Dragonet is a stunning small marine dragonet known for its deep ruby-red body, blue markings and intricate patterning. Its compact size and spectacular colouration make it a highly desirable addition to mature reef aquariums.

Ruby Red Dragonets spend much of their time moving slowly across live rock, sand and rubble, constantly searching for tiny prey. Like other dragonets, they naturally feed on copepods, amphipods and other small crustaceans.

Their specialised feeding habits make a mature aquarium particularly important. A well-established reef with abundant live rock, natural microfauna and ideally a refugium can provide a continual source of natural food.

Some individuals can be trained onto frozen foods such as enriched brine shrimp and mysis, but this should not be relied upon. When purchasing a wild specimen, ensure the aquarium can support its natural feeding requirements.

They are peaceful and generally reef safe, making them an excellent choice for a suitable mature reef aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Synchiropus sycorax
Common Name: Ruby Red Dragonet
Family: Callionymidae
Type: Marine Fish / Dragonet
Adult Size: Approximately 6–7 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Advanced
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+ Mature System
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore / Micro-predator
Tank Level: Bottom / Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Mature reef aquariums with established copepod populations

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Ruby Red Dragonets eat?

They naturally feed on copepods, amphipods and other tiny crustaceans found amongst live rock and substrate.

Does a Ruby Red Dragonet need a mature aquarium?

Yes. A mature aquarium with an established population of copepods and other microfauna is strongly recommended.

Can Ruby Red Dragonets eat frozen food?

Some individuals can be trained onto frozen foods such as mysis and enriched brine shrimp. However, their natural food supply should remain an important consideration.

Are Ruby Red Dragonets reef safe?

Yes. They are generally reef safe and do not normally damage corals or ornamental invertebrates.

Can I keep a Ruby Red Dragonet with other dragonets?

Care is required. Different dragonets can compete for the same natural food resources. A large, mature aquarium with a substantial pod population is recommended when keeping multiple pod-eating species.

Common Mistakes

Adding one to a new aquarium
New aquariums often lack the established copepod population needed to support dragonets.

Assuming it will eat pellets
Some individuals accept prepared foods, but many rely heavily on natural microfauna.

Keeping too many pod-eating fish
Wrasses, mandarins and other dragonets can quickly reduce the available copepod population.

Not monitoring body condition
A healthy dragonet should maintain a well-filled abdomen. A pinched or sunken belly can indicate inadequate nutrition.

Keeping it with aggressive feeders
Dragonets are slow, deliberate feeders and can easily lose out to faster fish.