Moyer's Dragonet (Synchiropus moyeri) Care Guide

Synchiropus moyeri is a Western Pacific dragonet of coastal reef slopes reaching about 7.5 cm, a benthic invertebrate feeder.

Overview

Synchiropus moyeri, Moyer's dragonet, was described by Zaiser and Fricke in 1985. It is a small dragonet of the family Callionymidae reaching a maximum total length of about 7.5 cm and is endemic to the Western Pacific.

Taxonomy

• Family: Callionymidae
• Genus: Synchiropus
• Scientific name: Synchiropus moyeri Zaiser & Fricke, 1985
• Common name: Moyer's dragonet

Habitat

According to FishBase, the species is widespread in the Western Pacific and is replaced by Synchiropus stellatus in the Indian Ocean. It inhabits coastal reef slopes, usually on rubble and sand near large coral formations, at depths of 3-30 m, with a preferred temperature range of about 23-29 °C. It occurs in small loose groups with dominance hierarchies in which a large male controls sections of reef.

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 7.5 cm total length (FishBase)
• Lifespan: 4-10 years
• Requires a mature system with abundant live copepods

Diet

FishBase gives a trophic level of about 3.3, consistent with a carnivorous diet of small benthic invertebrates. In aquaria it grazes continuously on copepods and other micro-fauna and depends 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).