Mandarin Dragonet

Synchiropus splendidus

Least Concern Saltwater

Max Length

6.0 cm

Max Weight

0.003 kg

Color

Extraordinarily vivid pattern of wavy …

Depth Range

1-18m

Family

Callichthyidae

About

The mandarin dragonet is one of the most visually striking marine fish, covered in psychedelic swirls of blue, orange, and green. It lacks scales, instead producing a mucus coating that protects it from parasites. Feeds primarily on live copepods.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	6.0 cm
Maximum Weight	0.003 kg
Depth Range	1-18m

Coloration

Extraordinarily vivid pattern of wavy blue, green, and orange lines on a base of blue-green; entire body covered in intricate maze-like reticulations; dorsal fin is tall and sail-like, richly patterned.

Habitat & Distribution

Coral reefs, estuaries

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

1-18m

Geographic Range

Western Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan south through the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Inhabits sheltered, lagoon coral reefs rich in live coral and rubble.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Mandarin Dragonet is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Not consumed — one of the most visually stunning marine aquarium fish, prized for its psychedelic blue-and-orange pattern; a challenging species that feeds only on live copepods.

Aquarium Care

Care Level

Temperament

Peaceful

Min Tank Size

120 liters

Temperature

24-27

pH Range

8.1-8.4

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Taxonomy

Order	Siluriformes (Catfishes)
Family	Callichthyidae (Armored catfishes)
Species	Synchiropus splendidus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Arabic	سمك مندرين
Chinese (Simplified)	花斑連鰭䲗
German	Mandarinfisch
Indonesian	Ikan mandarin
Japanese	ニシキテグリ
Korean	만다린피시
Portuguese	Mandarim-real
Russian	Мандаринка
Thai	ปลาแมนดาริน
Turkish	Mandalina balığı
Vietnamese	Cá trạng nguyên

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Mandarin Dragonet?

Not consumed — one of the most visually stunning marine aquarium fish, prized for its psychedelic blue-and-orange pattern; a challenging species that feeds only on live copepods.

How big does Mandarin Dragonet get?

Mandarin Dragonet can grow up to 6.0 cm long and weigh 0.003 kg.

Is Mandarin Dragonet good for aquariums?

Mandarin dragonet has a difficult care level, a peaceful temperament, requires a minimum tank size of 120 liters.

Where is Mandarin Dragonet found?

Is Mandarin Dragonet endangered?

The conservation status of Mandarin Dragonet is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Mandarin Dragonet belong to?

Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) belongs to the family Callichthyidae (Armored catfishes) in the order Siluriformes (Catfishes).