Spotted Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus picturatus)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 75 liters (20 gallons), but ideally 115+ liters (30+ gallons) with a mature refugium
• Adult size: Up to 9 cm (3.5 inches)
• Diet: Obligate carnivore, primarily feeding on copepods and amphipods
• Be aware of: Difficult to feed in captivity, requiring an established tank with a large copepod population; slow eater that may struggle in competitive environments
Appearance and Coloration
The Spotted Mandarin Dragonet is an exquisite reef fish, known for its psychedelic pattern of green, blue, black, and orange spots covering its entire body. Unlike the more common Synchiropus splendidus (Mandarin Dragonet), S. picturatus lacks the swirling lines and instead features a series of large, circular spots arranged across its body, giving it a more structured pattern. Males have a longer dorsal fin compared to females.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
Native to the Indo-Pacific, specifically Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of the Western Pacific, Synchiropus picturatus is found in shallow reefs and lagoons, where it resides among coral rubble and live rock formations.
In the wild, Spotted Mandarins graze continuously, feeding on tiny crustaceans such as copepods and amphipods. They are slow-moving, bottom-dwelling fish that do not compete well for food, making them challenging to keep in captivity without an adequate natural food supply.
They are peaceful and shy, preferring to spend their time hopping across the substrate rather than actively swimming.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) for a single fish, 30+ gallons (115+ liters) recommended for a self-sustaining copepod population
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping:
• Plenty of live rock is essential, as it provides hiding spots and a habitat for copepods.
• Mature tanks with a refugium are highly recommended to sustain their natural diet.
• Lighting: Moderate to low, as they naturally inhabit shaded reef areas.
• Water Movement: Low to moderate; they do not handle strong currents well.
Diet and Feeding
Spotted Mandarins are obligate micro-crustacean feeders, meaning they require a constant supply of copepods and amphipods.
• Natural Diet: Benthic micro-crustaceans (copepods, amphipods, small worms).
• Captive Diet:
• Live copepods and amphipods (essential).
• Enriched baby brine shrimp (as a supplement).
• Frozen foods (mysis shrimp, cyclops, fish roe)—only if trained.
• Some individuals can be trained to eat pellets, but this is rare.
Feeding Considerations:
• Mandarins require continuous grazing, unlike other fish that eat in single feedings.
• A refugium is strongly recommended to provide a sustainable food source.
• If the aquarium does not support a large copepod population, regular supplementation with bottled copepods is necessary.
Compatibility and Social Structure
• Temperament:
• Extremely peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent for community tanks.
• Males can be aggressive toward other males, so only one male should be kept unless in a very large system.
• Tank Mates:
• Ideal companions include gobies, blennies, clownfish, peaceful wrasses, and other slow-moving species.
• Avoid aggressive feeders like dottybacks, damsels, and large wrasses, as they can outcompete Mandarins for food.
• Reef Compatibility: 100% reef-safe—does not bother corals or invertebrates.
Important Considerations
• Difficult to Keep: Not recommended for beginners due to feeding challenges.
• Require a Mature Tank: Needs an established aquarium with a large, self-sustaining copepod population.
• Avoid Starvation: Many die from starvation due to lack of suitable live food. Regularly monitor body condition for signs of malnutrition (sunken belly, lethargy).
• Pairing: A male-female pair can be kept if introduced together, but two males will likely fight.