Synchiropus stellatus

Smith, 1963

Starry Dragonet

Range: Indian Ocean: East Africa to Sumatra, Indonesia.

Size: 3 inches (7 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits algae covered rocks between coral heads and usually found at depths between 30 – 130 feet (10 – 40 m) where it feeds on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and having a mottled brown 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