Circled Dragonet (Synchiropus circularis) Care Guide
Synchiropus circularis is a small Western Pacific dragonet of sand-rubble bottoms on seaward reefs, a benthic invertebrate feeder.
Overview
Synchiropus circularis, the circled dragonet, was described by Fricke in 1984. It is a small dragonet of the family Callionymidae from the Western Pacific. FishBase records a maximum standard length of about 2.3 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callionymidae
- Genus: Synchiropus
- Scientific name: Synchiropus circularis Fricke, 1984
- Common names: Circled dragonet, circular dragonet
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Western Pacific, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Guam, the Northern Marianas and the Chesterfield Islands. It inhabits sand-rubble bottoms on seaward reefs at depths of 2-35 m in tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 2.3 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-10 years
- Requires a mature system with abundant live copepods
Diet
FishBase gives a trophic level of about 3.1, consistent with a small carnivore feeding on microscopic benthic prey. In aquaria dragonets graze continuously on copepods and other micro-fauna and depend on a mature, established system.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling species. It is best kept with calm tankmates that do not compete for live food, and away from aggressive fishes and predators.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2022).