Mandarin Dragonet

Synchiropus splendidus

Possibly the most psychedelic fish on Earth – one of only two animals known to produce true blue pigment.

A peaceful saltwater fish that grows to 7 cm, lives near the bottom and needs 24–27 °C, pH 8.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 150 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Saltwater

Temperature

24–27 °C (75–81 °F)

pH

8.0–8.4

Adult size

7 cm (2.8 in)

Aquarium

150 L or bigger (40 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Wild home

Western Pacific lagoons

Good to know

• Delicate. Sensitive to poor water quality.
• Slow eater. Out-competed by fast fish at feeding time.
• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.

Tank mates

Good company: Banggai Cardinalfish, Copperband Butterflyfish, Coral Beauty, Foxface Rabbitfish, Green Chromis, Moorish Idol, Ocellaris Clownfish, Peppermint Angelfish, Regal Angelfish, Royal Gramma.

Eaten by: Clown Triggerfish, Lantern Anglerfish, Lionfish, Snowflake Moray.

Attacked by: Clown Triggerfish.

Colours

• Classic epic
• Red Mandarin legendary

Now and then a rare mutation shows up: Red Mandarin.

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.