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
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Common Names: Ruby Red Dragonet, Starry Dragonet
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Scientific Name: Synchiropus sycorax
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Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines)
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Max Size: 5–7 cm (approx. 2–2.5 inches)
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Lifespan: 3–5 years
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Temperament: Peaceful; safe for community reefs
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Diet: Carnivore – Specialist micro-predator (copepod hunter)
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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:
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The Color: A deep, saturated ruby red body covered in intricate white and yellow star-like spots and geometric lines.
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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.
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The Underside: They usually feature vivid yellow pelvic fins, which they use to "walk" or "hop" along the sand and rocks.
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The Eyes: Large, high-set eyes that move independently to scan for tiny moving prey.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
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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.
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Mannerisms: They do not swim in the traditional sense; they use their pectoral fins to hover and glide just millimeters above the surface.
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Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are completely harmless to corals, clams, and even the smallest shrimp.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) of well-established reef.
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Rockwork: Provide plenty of live rock (at least 15–20kg) to provide a breeding ground for the pods they eat.
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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
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Natural Food: They primarily eat live copepods.
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Frozen Transition: Unlike Mandarins, Ruby Reds are slightly more likely to accept frozen Nutramar Tigrio or frozen Cyclops, but this is not guaranteed.
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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.
