Ruby Red Dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax) - Jumpers?

[WallysWorld]

I woke this morning to find my favorite fish on the carpet beside my tank. Devastated. I did not know that these fish are jumpers. I do have a lid on my tank, but it wasn't centered, leaving about 1/4 of an inch on the side, and I'm assuming that was the escape route.

What's others experience with these fish? Are they jumpers or was my individual "blessed" with this skill?

 

[Jesterrace]

One of the biggest myths in the saltwater aquarium hobby is the concept of "Jumpers vs Non-Jumpers" for fish. The correct terminology for all fish is "More Prone to Jump" and "Less Prone to Jump" In other words, all fish are potential jumpers, some are just more prone to it than others. With a fish that small it doesn't take much for them to get out.

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

One of the biggest myths in the saltwater aquarium hobby is the concept of "Jumpers vs Non-Jumpers" for fish. The correct terminology for all fish is "More Prone to Jump" and "Less Prone to Jump" In other words, all fish are potential jumpers, some are just more prone to it than others. With a fish that small it doesn't take much for them to get out.

This being said, all gobies and dragonets are on the "more prone to jumping" end of the spectrum. I even know of more than one case of even frogfish jumping.

 

[WallysWorld]

still amazed that she found a way out. the gap between lid and tank wasn't that big, she had to aim very precisely for it to be "successful"

 

[eatbreakfast]

All fish, except seahorses can be jumpers.

 

[Soopa1]

I had a mandarin jump once.

 

[alanbetiger]

Usually the "non jumpers" got scared/spooked so have a look at other tankmates for a potential cause

 

[WallysWorld]

Usually the "non jumpers" got scared/spooked so have a look at other tankmates for a potential cause

Big Emerald Crab is highly suspect!

 

[Nikita1981]

I've had them jump through a tiny gap between the cover and the tank. Twice... I definitely consider them as jumpers.

So now I have an acrylic top ordered to fit my tank exactly. No more gaps. Gives me a lot of peace of mind.