Ruby Red Dragonet Female (Synchiropus Sycorax)

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Ruby Red Dragonet Female (Synchiropus sycorax)

The Ruby Red Dragonet is a breathtaking species that was only scientifically described in 2016. While it looks similar to the common Mandarinfish, the Ruby Red has a more ”electric” coloration. Native to the Philippines and found across the Indonesian archipelago, it is a tiny, bottom-dwelling gem that acts more like a hovering hummingbird than a typical fish.

Key Information

• Common Names: Ruby Red Dragonet, Starry Dragonet

• Scientific Name: Synchiropus sycorax

• Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines)

• Max Size: 5–7 cm (approx. 2–2.5 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful; safe for community reefs

• Diet: Carnivore – Specialist micro-predator (copepod hunter)

• Care Level: Difficult (due to feeding requirements)

Appearance & Identification

The female Ruby Red is just as stunning as the male, though slightly smaller and with a different fin structure:

• The Color: A deep, saturated ruby red body covered in intricate white and yellow star-like spots and geometric lines.

• The Fins: The female lacks the tall, spectacular dorsal fin ”spike” that the male uses for display. Her dorsal fin is much smaller and rounded.

• The Underside: They usually feature vivid yellow pelvic fins, which they use to ”walk” or ”hop” along the sand and rocks.

• The Eyes: Large, high-set eyes that move independently to scan for tiny moving prey.

Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• The Constant Hunter: This fish is a ”pod-eating machine.” It spends 100% of its waking hours hovering over rockwork and sand, ”pecking” at microscopic copepods.

• Mannerisms: They do not swim in the traditional sense; they use their pectoral fins to hover and glide just millimeters above the surface.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are completely harmless to corals, clams, and even the smallest shrimp.

• Social Structure: Females can be kept together in larger tanks. A female can also be paired with a male. However, never keep two males together, as they will fight to the death.

• Tank Mates: Must be kept with peaceful, non-competitive fish. They are very slow and will be outcompeted for food by aggressive eaters. Excellent with Seahorses, Pipefish, and peaceful Gobies.

Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Maturity: This is the most critical factor. You must have a mature reef tank (6–12 months old) with a massive, self-sustaining population of copepods. A brand-new tank will lead to starvation within weeks.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) of well-established reef.

• Rockwork: Provide plenty of live rock (at least 15–20kg) to provide a breeding ground for the pods they eat.

• Refugium: A ”hang-on-back” or sump-based refugium where pods can grow without being hunted is highly recommended to replenish the tank’s food supply.

Dietary Needs: The Main Challenge

• Natural Food: They primarily eat live copepods.

• Frozen Transition: Unlike Mandarins, Ruby Reds are slightly more likely to accept frozen Nutramar Tigrio or frozen Cyclops, but this is not guaranteed.

• The ”Dragonet Diner”: Many hobbyists use a glass jar with a small opening containing pellets or frozen food; the dragonet can get in to eat, but faster fish cannot.

Why Choose the Ruby Red Dragonet?

The Ruby Red Female is for the hobbyist who has a thriving, mature reef and wants a splash of ”crimson” on the sand bed. They are fascinating to watch and provide a great deal of character for such a small fish. If you have the patience to ensure they are well-fed, they are one of the most rewarding and visually spectacular fish in the Indonesian marine trade.