Species Description…

Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus

Common Name: Mandarin Dragonet

Species Group: Dragonet

Habitat: Reef Safe

Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet Type: Carnivore

Role in Aquarium: Showpiece Fish

Max Fish Length: 4 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 30 (gallons)

Native Range: Western Pacific, from the Philippines to Australia

Synchiropus Splendidus - The Mandarin Dragonet

Synchiropus Splendidus (The Mandarin Dragonet)

Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in shallow lagoons and coastal reefs with dense coral and rubble formations.
Recognized for its stunning coloration, featuring an intricate mix of electric blue, green, and orange patterns.
A slow-moving and peaceful species that relies on camouflage to avoid predators.
Prefers to forage along the substrate, searching for small invertebrates and copepods.
Best suited for mature aquariums with a well-established pod population and stable water parameters.

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on copepods, amphipods, and other tiny marine invertebrates.
Requires a continuous supply of live food, making a well-established refugium beneficial.
May take time to adapt to frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and enriched plankton.
Should be fed multiple times per day due to its slow, deliberate feeding habits.
A diet rich in small, live organisms ensures proper nutrition and supports long-term health.

Prefers reef-associated environments with dense coral cover and sandy substrate.
Frequently found hiding among rock crevices and coral branches, blending into the surroundings.
Aquarium setups should include live rock with thriving copepod populations to support natural feeding.
Requires stable water conditions and a peaceful environment to thrive.
Providing ample grazing areas encourages natural foraging behavior.

Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) to maintain metabolic stability.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
Requires pristine water quality and regular maintenance to prevent stress and disease.
Reef-safe and does not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates.
Providing a calm, predator-free environment ensures long-term survival.

Peaceful and best housed with other non-aggressive species.
Compatible with clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and other reef-safe tankmates.
Should not be housed with aggressive fish that may outcompete it for food.
Best kept in a tank with a thriving population of copepods to support natural feeding habits.
Providing multiple hiding spots and visual barriers reduces stress and encourages natural behavior.

A slow-moving and methodical feeder, spending most of its time foraging along the substrate.
Frequently seen gliding near the bottom, picking at live rock for tiny prey.
More confident in a well-established aquarium with stable environmental conditions.
Providing live rock and a peaceful setting encourages natural exploration and feeding.
Over time, it may become accustomed to its caretaker and show interest during feeding times.