{"product_id":"scarlet-scooter-blenny-synchiropus-sycorax","title":"Scarlet Scooter Blenny Synchiropus Sycorax","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eScarlet Scooter Blenny (Synchiropus sycorax)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Scarlet Scooter Blenny, also known as the \u003cstrong\u003eRuby Red Dragonet\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a small, brilliantly coloured marine fish prized for its deep red body, iridescent blue spots, and distinctive dragonet shape. Despite its name, it’s not a true blenny but belongs to the dragonet family. Reaching only \u003cstrong\u003e5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species is peaceful and shy, making it a favourite for nano to medium reef aquariums. However, it has specialised feeding needs and requires a mature system to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly around the Philippines. It inhabits shallow reef flats and rubble zones, spending most of its time hopping along the substrate in search of tiny prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, it feeds almost exclusively on \u003cstrong\u003ecopepods, amphipods, and other microfauna\u003c\/strong\u003e. In captivity, diet is the biggest challenge:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA well-established reef with a strong, self-sustaining copepod population is essential\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMay accept live foods such as enriched baby brine shrimp or live copepods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome individuals can be trained to take frozen mysis, cyclops, or prepared micro-pellets, but success varies\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrequent, small feedings are necessary if it does not rely solely on natural grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and best kept with other gentle reef species. Suitable companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGobies\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall wrasses (non-aggressive, non-competitive feeders)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClownfish\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCardinalfish\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful invertebrates (shrimps, snails, corals)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid aggressive feeders (e.g., large wrasses, dottybacks) that will outcompete them for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally non-aggressive toward tank mates, though males may squabble with other dragonets. Best kept singly unless in a proven male-female pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e Due to its reliance on live microfauna, this species requires a mature aquarium (at least 6 months old, ideally 1 year+) with a refugium or pod culture. It is not recommended for beginners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.023–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e30 gallons (115L)\u003c\/strong\u003e with a thriving pod population; larger tanks support long-term success\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide sandy or rubble substrate, gentle flow, and plenty of live rock for pod colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Completely safe with corals and invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for reef aquariums if feeding requirements can be met.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864430096759,"sku":"FSH-01673","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Scarlet-Scooter-Blenny-Synchiropus-Sycorax.png?v=1773331802","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/scarlet-scooter-blenny-synchiropus-sycorax","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}