Blenny - Scooter Red
The Scooter Blenny, also known as the Ocellated Dragonet (Synchiropus ocellatus), is a small and colorful fish that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Here are the general requirements for keeping a Scooter Blenny in an aquarium:
Tank size: Provide a tank with a minimum capacity of 30 gallons (113 liters) for a single Scooter Blenny. Larger tanks are recommended if you plan to keep multiple individuals or include other tankmates.
Tank setup: Scooter Blennies appreciate a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and sandy substrate. The live rock should provide hiding places, crevices, and ample surface area for perching and exploring. They may also dig in the sandy substrate, so a depth of at least 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) is recommended.
Water parameters: Maintain stable water conditions. The recommended water temperature for Scooter Blennies is between 72°F and 78°F (22°C - 26°C). The pH should be within the range of 8.1 to 8.4, and the salinity level (specific gravity) should be maintained between 1.020 and 1.025. Ensure proper filtration and perform regular water changes to maintain water quality.
Lighting: Provide moderate lighting in the aquarium. Scooter Blennies do not have any specific lighting requirements, but they may benefit from a natural day-night cycle.
Feeding: Scooter Blennies are primarily carnivorous and feed on small crustaceans and tiny invertebrates in the wild. However, they may not readily accept prepared foods initially. It's recommended to establish a population of copepods or amphipods in the tank before introducing the fish. Gradually introduce frozen or live foods like copepods, brine shrimp, and finely chopped meaty foods. It may take some time for them to acclimate to captive diets, so patience and persistence are essential.
Tankmates: Scooter Blennies are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish species. However, exercise caution when selecting tankmates to ensure they are not aggressive or overly territorial. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may pose a threat or outcompete them for food.
Acclimation: Proper acclimation is crucial when introducing a Scooter Blenny to a new aquarium. Slowly drip acclimating the fish to the water parameters of your tank helps reduce stress and increase their chances of acclimating successfully.
It's worth noting that Scooter Blennies can be challenging to keep due to their specialized feeding requirements. Ensure you have a sustainable source of copepods or alternative food options available to meet their dietary needs. Additionally, providing a well-established tank with appropriate live rock and sand is essential to support their natural behavior and provide hiding places.
