Starry Dragonet

The Starry Dragonet is a beautifully patterned species that features a reddish-brown to orange-red body covered with an intricate constellation of bright blue spots and ocelli, reminiscent of a starry night sky, which gives this fish its evocative common name. Males are typically more vividly colored than females and possess an elongated first dorsal fin spine that they use in display behavior. At approximately 3 inches in maximum length, the Starry Dragonet is a small but visually captivating bottom-dwelling fish.

Like all members of the dragonet family, the Starry Dragonet is a specialized micro-predator that requires a well-established aquarium with a self-sustaining population of copepods and amphipods. It spends its days hopping methodically across live rock and substrate, picking at tiny organisms with its small, pointed mouth. A mature aquarium of at least six months old with plentiful live rock is critical to support the microfauna populations needed to keep this fish healthy. Without an adequate pod supply, the Starry Dragonet will slowly starve, often appearing healthy until it is too late to intervene.

The Starry Dragonet is completely reef-safe and makes an excellent inhabitant of a peaceful reef aquarium. It produces a protective mucus coating that provides some natural resistance to common marine parasites. A refugium connected to the main system is highly recommended to continuously replenish copepod populations. This species should not be housed with other dragonets unless the tank is very large and well-stocked with pods, as competition for this limited food source can lead to starvation. When its dietary needs are met, the Starry Dragonet is a hardy and long-lived aquarium inhabitant.