Spotted Mandarin Dragonet

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingDemanding tank care

  Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Parasites · Nutritional deficiency · Ich (white spot)

The Spotted Mandarin or Psychedelic Dragonet (Synchiropus picturatus) is a western Pacific species of about 6 to 7 cm, closely related to the mandarin. Instead of maze-like stripes it wears large blue and black ringed ocelli on a green base. Like its relative it is scaleless, slow-moving and coated in protective mucus, and it feeds by picking individual micro-crustaceans off surfaces all day. Everything about its care follows from that feeding style. It needs a mature reef of 200 litres or more with heavy live rock and an established copepod population, ideally with a refugium, at 24-26C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. A new tank cannot sustain one no matter how good the water looks. Choose a captive-bred individual weaned onto frozen mysis and enriched brine where possible, and watch that the belly stays rounded rather than pinched. It is peaceful and reef safe, must not be kept with a second male, and should not compete with fast feeders like wrasses for the same food.

• How active is a Spotted Mandarin Dragonet?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Spotted Mandarin Dragonet need?

  Demanding tank care. Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• What tank size does a Spotted Mandarin Dragonet need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Spotted Mandarin Dragonet a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Spotted Mandarin Dragonet live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Spotted Mandarin Dragonet?

  Keep an eye out for Parasites, Nutritional deficiency, Ich (white spot). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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