{"product_id":"falco-hawkfish-copy","title":"Red Ruby Dragonet (Male)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRed Ruby Dragonet \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f7f8f8; border-top:1px solid #dce3e5; padding:12px 14px; font-size:13px; color:#68777c; line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #46545b;\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a general description of the species — the specific specimen you receive may vary in color, size, and appearance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Ruby Dragonet (\u003cem\u003eSynchiropus sycorax\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the rarest, most visually stunning, and most coveted small reef fish in the entire saltwater hobby. \u003cstrong\u003eA saturated scarlet-to-crimson body glows across the entire fish, accented with white patterns around the head, warm yellow streaks along the ventral and pectoral fins, and fine black outline details — creating an almost jewel-like appearance completely unlike any other small reef fish in the hobby.\u003c\/strong\u003e Males are the more dramatic sex, displaying an elongated first dorsal fin used in courtship and dominance displays, and showing significantly more intense red coloration than females. A recent addition to the reef hobby (first scientifically described in 2016), the Red Ruby Dragonet remains one of the most sought-after specialist fish in the entire trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the Red Ruby Dragonet such a prized collector piece is the combination of extraordinary color saturation, delicate small size, and genuine rarity in the marine trade. \u003cstrong\u003eSometimes called the Red Mandarin or Ruby Mandarin, this species is related to the more familiar Mandarin Dragonet but shows saturated red coloration completely unlike any other dragonet in the trade\u003c\/strong\u003e — the kind of specialist fish that anchors a mature reef display or serves as a genuine centerpiece for a specialist keeper's tank. Adult specimens reach just 2.5 to 3 inches, making the Ruby Red suitable for both nano and larger reef systems, provided the biological requirements are met.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Ruby Dragonet is completely reef-safe and will not harm corals, clams, or other invertebrates — this fish spends its days methodically picking at tiny copepods and amphipods across the rockwork and substrate. \u003cstrong\u003eHowever, the Red Ruby Dragonet is a specialist obligate pod feeder that requires an established, mature reef system with a thriving copepod and amphipod population to survive long-term\u003c\/strong\u003e — this is not a beginner-friendly fish, and Red Ruby Dragonets in immature systems or systems without adequate live food will slowly starve regardless of care attempts. A connected refugium with growing macroalgae is strongly recommended to maintain a continuous supply of live copepods. For advanced reefers with mature systems, thriving pod populations, and the commitment to specialist care, the Red Ruby Dragonet delivers one of the most visually stunning small reef fish available in the entire hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eAvailable Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-top:1px solid #d8e1e3; border-bottom:1px solid #d8e1e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex; gap:18px; padding:14px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width:155px; flex:0 0 155px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block; font-weight:700; color:#173f4b; background:#eef5f5; padding:4px 8px; border-radius:4px;\"\u003e1 Red Ruby Dragonet — Male\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"color:#536369; line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne healthy male Red Ruby Dragonet ( Synchiropus sycorax ) — hand-selected from current availability. Saturated ruby-red body with white head markings, yellow ventral\/pectoral streaks, and elongated first dorsal fin. Completely reef-safe — will not harm corals or invertebrates. Requires established mature reef system with thriving copepod population — advanced-level specialist fish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #dce4e6; font-size:14px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003e72–78°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003e1.023–1.026 — stable parameters required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003e30 gallon minimum — mature system with live rock and refugium preferred\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eObligate carnivore — live copepods and amphipods required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003ePeaceful — reef-safe with corals and invertebrates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eAdvanced — specialist pod feeder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#faf9f3; border:1px solid #e4dfc9; border-left:4px solid #aa9b60; border-radius:6px; padding:13px 15px; color:#425158; line-height:1.65;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Red Ruby Dragonet is a specialist obligate pod feeder and is NOT recommended for beginner reefers or new\/immature reef systems.\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Ruby Dragonets require a mature, established reef aquarium (6 months minimum, preferably 12+ months) with a healthy live rock population and a thriving copepod and amphipod population. Without a stable and continuously replenishing pod population, Red Ruby Dragonets will slowly starve regardless of feeding attempts. A connected refugium with macroalgae and live rock is strongly recommended to maintain a continuous supply of live copepods for the dragonet. Some Red Ruby Dragonets can be trained to accept live baby brine shrimp, frozen cyclops, or finely ground mysis, but most specimens will not reliably convert to prepared foods — buyers should plan around continuous live food availability. Only one male Red Ruby Dragonet may be kept per tank; males will fight each other. Male-female pairs can be kept if introduced to the tank simultaneously. Red Ruby Dragonets are peaceful with tankmates but should not be housed with aggressive fish or with pod-competing fish (anthias, wrasses, gobies, blennies) unless the tank is 55 gallons or larger with abundant live rock. This fish is completely reef-safe and will not harm corals, clams, or other invertebrates. Adult size 2.5 to 3 inches. Lifespan 3 to 5+ years with proper care.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e🔍 Aquarium Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Ruby Dragonet is one of the rarest and most visually stunning small reef fish available to specialist reef keepers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top:0; padding-left:20px; color:#495b62; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturated ruby-red coloration with white head markings and yellow ventral streaks — unlike any other small reef fish in the hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMales display an elongated first dorsal fin used in courtship and dominance displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA specialist collector-grade dragonet that delivers unmatched visual impact for advanced reef keepers with mature systems and thriving pod populations — the kind of showpiece serious specialist keepers build a display around\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:7px;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eFor detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/pages\/species-library\" style=\"color: #1d5c78;\"\u003eSpecies Library\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f6f8f9; border: 1px solid #dde4e7; border-left: 4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; font-size: 13px; color: #607078; line-height: 1.65;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #46545b;\"\u003eLivestock Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 10px;\"\u003eDue to natural variation, the Red Ruby Dragonet you receive will be hand-selected from current availability and will be a male specimen (identified by the elongated first dorsal fin and more intense red coloration). Individual specimens may vary slightly in size, color saturation, and pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\"\u003ePhotographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may vary in size, color intensity, and pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis species requires an established mature reef system with a thriving copepod population to survive long-term.\u003c\/strong\u003e Buyers should ensure their system is fully ready with adequate live food supplies before purchase — this is a specialist fish and is not recommended for beginner reefers or new systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macroalgae Farms","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49525760491779,"sku":null,"price":52.24,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/7151\/7699\/files\/hf_20260827_060945_043c09e6-f1ac-43bb-bb6e-728b7fd3a642.jpg?v=1787811487","url":"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/products\/falco-hawkfish-copy","provider":"Macroalgae Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}