Red Scooter Blenny

Species Overview

• Common name: Red Scooter Blenny

• Scientific name: Synchiropus stellatus or related dragonet species (commonly called Scooter Blenny)

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs

• Adult size: 5–7 cm (2–3")

• Lifespan: 3–5 years in captivity

🌈 Appearance

• Vibrant red/orange body with subtle iridescent markings along fins.

• Long, flowing dorsal fins and “blenny-like” elongated head and body.

• Juveniles resemble adults but may be slightly paler.

• Small, bright eyes and distinctive “scooter” swimming behavior.

🏞 Tank Requirements

• Tank size: Minimum 60–80L (16–21 gallons) for a single adult; larger preferred for multiple.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

• Aquascape: Sandy or fine substrate for natural foraging; plenty of live rock for hiding and territory.

🍽 Diet

• Carnivorous: feeds primarily on copepods, amphipods, and other small invertebrates.

• In captivity: accept live or frozen microfauna, brine shrimp, mysis, and specialized blenny preparations.

• Requires established reef tanks with a healthy microfauna population for long-term success.

👫 Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish.

• Best kept with other peaceful tankmates; avoids aggressive or territorial species.

• Very active foragers; observed darting quickly among sand and rocks (“scooting”).

• Avoid housing with large predatory fish.

🐣 Breeding

• Rarely bred in captivity; mostly wild-caught.

• Juveniles may be sold separately as “starter microfauna feeders.”

⚡ Key Selling Points

• Striking red/orange coloration and flowing fins make it a visual centerpiece in nano or reef tanks.

• Peaceful, active, and adds natural microfauna control to established aquariums.

• Hardy when kept in mature, well-established tanks with plenty of hiding spots.