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Synchiropus picturatus
Small goby with psychedelic green body covered in orange spots with black borders. Prefers live copepods, so mature live rock tanks are ideal.
The spotted mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus) is a small dragonet of the family Callionymidae found in the western Pacific. Its psychedelic coloration, a green ground sprinkled with black-ringed orange and blue spots, is its greatest appeal. Lacking scales, it protects itself with body mucus, which makes it relatively resistant to parasites such as ich, though it is vulnerable to injury and medications. It is a specialist feeder that subsists chiefly on tiny live foods such as copepods, so it is ideally kept in a mature aquarium rich in live rock and microfauna. Slow-moving and peaceful, it offers great visual interest as it creeps along the bottom.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Spotted Mandarin lives 5-8 years.
The Spotted Mandarin grows to 5-8cm.
The ideal temperature for the Spotted Mandarin is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Coral reefs of the western Pacific
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
5-8cm
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜27℃
Copepods (live food) as staple. Some accept frozen brine
Mature live rock tank where copepods naturally grow
Supply frozen brine or copepods daily
Maintain 24-27°C. With no scales it relies on skin mucus for protection, so keep water quality stable and be careful with medications.
Males fight viciously. Keep as pairs or singles
Fairly resistant to parasites like ich, but vulnerable to injury and medications. It moves slowly along the bottom, so set up a tank where it won't have to compete for food.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Spotted Mandarin is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Spotted Mandarin is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Spotted Mandarin typically reaches 5-8cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Spotted Mandarin feeds on: Copepods (live food) as staple. Some accept frozen brine. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Spotted Mandarin varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026