Description

Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
One of the most iconic and mesmerizing reef fish—best suited for established, pod-rich aquariums.

Description:

The Mandarin Dragonet (often called the Mandarin Goby, though not a true goby) is famed for its vivid, psychedelic coloration. With a blue-green base and swirling patterns of orange, yellow, and neon blue, it’s easily one of the most striking saltwater fish available. Native to the Indo-Pacific, it’s a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling fish often seen hunting copepods among live rock.

• Size: Up to 3–4 inches

• Coloration: Bright blue with orange stripes; males often have a taller dorsal fin

• Lifespan: 5–10 years with excellent care

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; best in tranquil tanks

Care Requirements:

Tank Size:

• Minimum 30 gallons for experienced keepers

• 50+ gallons recommended for long-term success and sustainable pod populations

Diet:

• Carnivorous (microfauna specialist)

• Feeds primarily on live copepods, amphipods, and other microcrustaceans

• Some individuals may accept frozen or prepared foods (e.g., baby brine shrimp, roe, Nutramar Ova), but most require live food

• Feed 2–3 times daily if not sustained by a live pod population

• Mandatory: Established refugium or regular pod replenishment

Behavior:

• Peaceful and slow-moving

• Constantly grazes live rock and substrate

• Ideal for peaceful reef tanks; may be bullied or outcompeted by aggressive eaters

• Can be kept singly or as a male-female pair (avoid two males)

Reef Compatibility:

• 100% reef-safe

• Will not harm corals, inverts, or other livestock

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <10 ppm

Aquascape Tips:

• Dense live rock is essential—for pod populations and natural grazing

• Slow-moving, so avoid high-flow tanks unless there are low-flow resting zones

• Peaceful tank mates like gobies, blennies, and fairy wrasses are ideal

Special Notes:

• Not recommended for new tanks—requires mature systems (6+ months) with pod populations

• Refugiums help maintain pod cultures

• Can be trained to eat prepared food with patience in a target-feeding setup

• Secure top not necessary—they are not jumpers