Synchiropus Picturatus - The Spotted Mandarin
Overview
- Commonly known as the Spotted Mandarin or Green Spotted Dragonet.
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in sandy reef and lagoon environments.
- Recognized for its striking green body with blue, orange, and black spots.
- A highly sought-after species for reef aquariums due to its beautiful coloration and peaceful demeanor.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, primarily consuming small crustaceans and copepods.
- Requires a well-established aquarium with a healthy supply of live copepods and amphipods.
- Can sometimes be trained to accept frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
- Needs frequent feedings to ensure proper nutrition and maintain body weight.
Habitat
- Typically found in shallow coral rubble zones and sandy reef environments.
- Prefers stable water conditions with gentle to moderate water flow.
- Requires a minimum 30-gallon tank, but larger, well-established tanks with live rock are ideal.
- Thrives in aquariums with mature live rock providing natural food sources.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH level: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.
- Requires stable water conditions and excellent filtration.
- Generally hardy if kept in a mature system with a sufficient food supply.
- Providing a refugium with live copepods improves long-term survival.
Compatibility
- Very peaceful and does best with other non-aggressive fish.
- Compatible with reef-safe species such as gobies, clownfish, and wrasses.
- Should not be housed with aggressive fish or those that outcompete them for food.
- Best kept singly unless housed in a large, established aquarium with enough food for multiple individuals.
Aquarium Behavior
- Slow-moving and spends most of its time near the substrate or on live rock.
- Exhibits unique hovering and gliding movements while searching for food.
- Generally peaceful but may show mild territorial behavior towards other dragonets.
- Providing live rock structures and a stable food source supports natural behaviors.