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Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus
Alt Scientific Name: Callionymus splendidus, Neosynchiropus splendidus, Pterosynchiropus splendidus
Common Name: Mandarinfish
Alt Common Name: Mandarin Goby, Psychedelic Fish, Psychedelic Goby, Mandarin Dragonet
Group: Blennies (Blenny Fishes)
Family: Callionymidae
Distribution: Western Pacific reefs
Adult Size: 2.5 inches (6.4cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males of the same species will fight viciously.
Care Difficulty: 9/10
Very Easy |
Moderate |
Very Difficult |
Reef Safety Score : 3/3
Not Safe |
High Risk |
Low Risk |
Reef Safe |
Temperature Range: 75°F - 80°F
74 |
76 |
78 |
80 |
82 |
84 |
pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4
7.8 |
8.0 |
8.2 |
8.4 |
8.6 |
8.8 |
Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.02 - 1.027
1.016 |
1.020 |
1.024 |
1.028 |
1.032 |
1.036 |
Diet Information: Omnivorous - This fish lives solely off interstital crustacean and worm life often called copepods. Because of this the mandarin should only be placed in a well established reef system of at least 150 gallons.
Additional Information : A beautiful and peaceful fish - the mandarin goby would seem like the perfect reef fish. This fish can be quite difficult to keep alive due to its limited diet of copepods.
Tank Mate Compatibility : The mandarinfish will do well with non aggressive tank mates, but two male mandarinfish should never be mixed. This normally docile fish will fight viciously with another male mandarinfish.
Breeding Information: While some reef keepers have successfully bred mandarinfish, it is unknown what types of food the fry can eat and live off of.
Determining Sex: Males have a spike on the first dorsal fin.
Primary Area in Tank: Bottom
