Scooter Blenny

Scooter Blenny: The Benthic Bottom-Crawler

The **Scooter Blenny** (Synchiropus ocellatus), also known as the Ocellated Dragonet, is a unique and captivating bottom-dwelling fish, widely sought after for its intricate coloration and quirky "scooting" movement across the substrate. Its body features a stunning, mottled pattern of **tan, brown, black, and white** blotches, which act as excellent camouflage in the sand and rubble zones it inhabits.

Though often called a "blenny" in the aquarium trade, this fish is actually a member of the **Dragonet family** (*Callionymidae*). Like its cousin, the Mandarin Dragonet, the male Scooter Blenny possesses an elegant, sail-like dorsal fin that it often flares during territorial or courtship displays.

The **Scooter Blenny** is **completely reef safe** and incredibly peaceful, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates. It spends its days meticulously hunting and grazing, making it an excellent fish for observing benthic behavior.

Critical Care Requirement: The Scooter Blenny is a highly specialized eater, relying almost exclusively on **live copepods** and other micro-invertebrates found on live rock and in the sandbed. Success hinges on a **well-established, mature aquarium** (at least 6 months old) with a robust, continuous natural food source.

While some **captive-bred** individuals may be trained to accept frozen foods (like mysis or cyclops), a dedicated **refugium** for cultivating copepods is strongly recommended to ensure long-term health, as they will quickly starve if outcompeted by faster fish.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Synchiropus ocellatus
• Common Names: Scooter Blenny, Ocellated Dragonet, Scooter Dragonet
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 3 inches
• Temperament: Peaceful (Difficult to feed; avoid aggressive tank mates)
• Diet: Carnivore. Requires constant supply of live copepods, supplemented by frozen foods.
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons (must be mature/established)
• Reef Safe: Yes, excellent for coral systems.