At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small scaleless dragonet
A small, rounded bottom fish with no scales, covered instead by a slime coat. Its body is a maze of electric blue, orange and green swirls, and males carry a taller first dorsal fin.23
Personality what they are like
Gentle and unhurried with other species, but males are usually not tolerant of each other.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Spends the day slowly working over rock and sand, picking off tiny prey one bite at a time, and uses its large pelvic fins to walk along the bottom.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs a mature tank with plenty of live rock and live sand that already supports a healthy population of tiny crustaceans for it to graze on.32
Home where they are happiest
Minimum about 30 US gallons (114 L), well established, with live rock, live sand and hiding spots. Wild fish live in sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs with silty coral rubble at 1 to 18 m.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feeds on tiny live prey such as copepods and amphipods, plus small worms and snails. In aquariums it grazes the natural fauna and may learn to take live or frozen foods.23
Company who they like around
Lives in small groups in the wild. In aquariums it gets along with other kinds of fish but is usually not tolerant of its own kind, so one per tank is the safe choice.13
The story where it all began
Albert Herre described it from the Philippines in 1927 as Callionymus splendidus; it was later moved to Synchiropus. It is now well known in the aquarium trade and has been bred in captivity.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is one of only two known vertebrates that make blue colour with true blue pigment cells instead of light-scattering structures.2
- 2
Instead of scales it wears a slippery slime coat.2
- 3
Mating pairs rise together toward the surface in close contact to release their eggs.1
- 4
Synchiropus is Greek for 'together hand-foot', and splendidus is Latin for 'bright' or 'glittering'.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2018)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mandarin Dragonet. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Mandarin Dragonet?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts once or twice a day. However, because this fish grazes constantly on tiny live prey in a mature tank, you may also need to supplement with live or frozen foods if the natural supply runs low. Always check with a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for your specific setup.32 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Mandarin Dragonet eat, and what should it never eat?
It feeds on tiny live prey like copepods, amphipods, small worms and snails. In an aquarium it grazes on natural fauna and may learn to take live or frozen foods. Never feed it large, dry or processed foods that it cannot handle, and avoid any medicine or supplement not prescribed by a vet.32
How much space does a Mandarin Dragonet need?
A minimum of about 30 US gallons (114 liters) is recommended, with a well-established tank that has live rock, live sand and hiding spots. This space allows it to graze and explore slowly throughout the day.31
What temperature, light or water does a Mandarin Dragonet need?
It needs stable marine aquarium conditions with a temperature around 72-78°F (22-26°C), moderate lighting, and proper salinity. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks, weekly salinity checks, and weekly water tests. For exact numbers, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.31 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Mandarin Dragonet's home?
Furry Diary suggests cleaning the glass weekly and doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. The tank must be mature with live rock and sand to support its grazing needs. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Mandarin Dragonet live with others?
Yes, it is gentle with other species and gets along with different kinds of fish. However, males are usually not tolerant of each other, so one per tank is the safe choice. In the wild they live in small groups, but in aquariums it's best to keep only one.31
How long does a Mandarin Dragonet live?
With proper care in a mature tank, they can live several years, but exact lifespan varies. For a reliable estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet who knows your specific setup.
Can I handle a Mandarin Dragonet?
It is best not to handle this fish because it has no scales and relies on a protective slime coat. Handling can damage that coat and cause stress. Always use a container or net gently if you must move it.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Scooter DragonetWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Synchiropus splendidus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, spawning, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, colours, diet, history, pigment and slime facts
- LiveAquaria: Green Mandarin liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, temperament, diet, colours
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.