Description
Spotted Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus / Spotted Mandarin Dragonet)
A stunning and highly sought-after marine fish, the Spotted Mandarin is famous for its intricate pattern of blue, green, black, and orange spots. Peaceful and constantly foraging, this beautiful dragonet is a true jewel of the reef aquarium and a favourite among experienced marine aquarists.
Compatibility:
Peaceful. Excellent with clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, and other non-aggressive community species. Avoid aggressive or highly competitive feeders that may outcompete it for food.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe. Completely harmless to corals and most invertebrates, making it an ideal reef aquarium inhabitant.
Diet:
Carnivore – feeds primarily on copepods, amphipods, and other microfauna found within live rock and substrate. Some specimens can be trained onto frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp, but a healthy pod population remains essential for long-term success.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 120L
Care Level:
Moderate to Advanced – requires a mature aquarium with a well-established copepod population and stable water conditions. Not recommended for newly established systems.
Top Tip:
A refugium or dedicated copepod culture can greatly improve long-term success. Always ensure the fish is feeding well before purchase, as dietary requirements are the most important aspect of Spotted Mandarin care.
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