Mandarin Dragonet

The mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) is a small dragonet of the family Callionymidae inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the western Pacific Ocean. Its intricate camouflage of interlocking blue, green, orange, and black whorls is widely considered among the most beautiful patterning found in any vertebrate. The species lacks scales; instead, its body is coated in a foul-smelling mucus that deters predators. Care requirements are demanding: mandarinfish rarely accept prepared foods and must be sustained by live copepods and other micro-crustaceans proliferating in mature live rock. A well-established reef aquarium of 100 litres or more with densely populated live rock is essential. This species is best suited to experienced marine aquarists.

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Copepods and other micro-crustaceans