ORA Scooter Dragonet – Captive Bred for Sale
The ORA Scooter Dragonet (Synchiropus ocellatus) is a peaceful, reef-safe fish perfectly suited for mature saltwater aquariums. Unlike wild-caught dragonets that often struggle with prepared diets, this captive-bred variant thrives on pellets and frozen mysis shrimp, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a hardy and sustainable species. Every specimen is raised by ORA, a leader in responsible aquaculture, ensuring strong health, consistent coloration, and dependable feeding behavior. These dragonets add calm, graceful motion to reef tanks while remaining compatible with corals and invertebrates.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Synchiropus ocellatus |
| Family | Callionymidae |
| Origin | Captive-bred by ORA (USA) |
| Maximum Size | 3 inches |
| Purchase Size | Up to 1 inch |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Temperament | Peaceful, bottom-dwelling |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Diet | Pellets, mysis shrimp, copepods |
| Temperature | 73–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.020–1.025 sg |
Appearance
The ORA Scooter Dragonet displays a mottled blend of browns, reds, and whites with darker fins and distinct white spotting. Males develop a taller, sail-like dorsal fin with intricate markings used in courtship displays, adding visual movement and interest to reef aquariums.
Care & Requirements
Captive-bred ORA Scooter Dragonets adjust quickly to prepared diets and aquarium life, making them easier to maintain than wild-caught counterparts. Provide a minimum 30-gallon tank with live rock and fine sand to encourage foraging. Maintain stable water conditions around 76°F and pH 8.3. Feed small amounts two to three times daily, alternating pellets, frozen mysis, and enriched brine shrimp. Supplement with live copepods once or twice weekly to sustain natural grazing behavior and support digestive health.
Can I keep an ORA Scooter Dragonet in a new tank?
No, they require an established system with mature live rock to ensure adequate microfauna for grazing.
How often should I feed my dragonet?
Feed 2–3 times daily with small portions they can consume within a few minutes.
Do they still need live copepods if eating pellets?
While not mandatory, maintaining a small copepod population enhances nutrition and activity.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
ORA Scooter Dragonets are calm, community-friendly fish that thrive with peaceful species like gobies, blennies, and small wrasses. Avoid aggressive or fast-eating tank mates that may outcompete them for food. For groups, keep one male per tank under 55 gallons, or multiple males only in larger systems with ample territory.
Can I keep a pair of Scooter Dragonets together?
Yes, one male and one female can coexist peacefully in tanks of at least 40 gallons.
Are they compatible with corals?
Yes, these fish are fully reef-safe and will not disturb corals or invertebrates.
Can they live with shrimp or snails?
Yes, they peacefully coexist with ornamental shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates.
Aquaculture/Availability
The ORA Scooter Dragonet is fully captive-bred by Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums (ORA) in the United States. These fish are trained to accept prepared foods and adapt quickly to home aquariums. They are released in limited seasonal batches, typically in spring and summer, reflecting ORA’s careful aquaculture schedule.
Is the ORA Scooter Dragonet fully captive-bred?
Yes, each fish is bred and raised in controlled aquaculture systems by ORA.
Why choose captive-bred over wild-caught?
Captive-bred specimens adapt better, feed more reliably, and reduce collection pressure on wild populations.
When is it best to order?
Availability peaks during spring and summer; early reservations ensure priority for the next release.
Why Buy From Oceansgarden.com
- Captive-Bred & Sustainable: Many of our fish and invertebrates are captive-bred or sustainably sourced to promote healthy reef ecosystems.
- Expert Care Before Shipping: Every animal is maintained under professional aquarium standards for health, diet, and water quality.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind each shipment with a Live Arrival Guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Fast, Reliable Shipping: Orders are packed with proven methods and shipped overnight to ensure safe arrival.
- Transparent Policies: Clear shipping, refund, and guarantee information available on every order page.
- Trusted by Hobbyists: Backed by years of experience and thousands of satisfied marine aquarium keepers across the U.S.
FAQ
How large do ORA Scooter Dragonets grow?
They reach about 3 inches, with males slightly larger than females.
What do they eat?
Their diet includes pellets, frozen mysis, and copepods. Vary foods to maintain health and vibrant coloration.
Are they easy to keep?
Yes, captive-bred ORA Dragonets are easier to maintain since they readily accept prepared foods and adapt well to aquariums.
Can they live in nano tanks?
No, they need at least 30 gallons per fish for sustainable foraging space.
How long do they live?
With proper care and stable conditions, they typically live 4–5 years.
Do they need sand substrate?
Yes, a fine sand bed supports natural foraging and protects their delicate fins.
Can they be housed in groups?
Groups work well in tanks over 55 gallons with plenty of hiding areas; avoid multiple males in smaller tanks.
How can I tell males from females?
Males have taller dorsal fins and brighter patterns than females.
Are they safe with invertebrates?
Completely; they ignore snails, shrimp, and corals.
How do I encourage natural behavior?
Provide live rock, low flow, and regular feeding with copepods or mysis to promote their characteristic “scooting” behavior.
| size | .5-2 inches |
|---|
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