Mandarin

Splendid Mandarin

Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus

Fish Safe: Yes – peaceful, although males may fight with other male mandarins

Invert Safe: Yes – safe with ornamental invertebrates; feeds heavily on tiny crustaceans such as copepods

Coral Safe: Yes

Adult Size: Up to 7cm

Origin: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Australia

Diet: Carnivore – primarily copepods and other tiny benthic crustaceans; established specimens may also take suitable frozen foods

The Splendid Mandarin is one of those rare fish where the common name really does fit. Electric blue lines twist across an orange, green and turquoise body, creating a pattern that looks almost painted on.

Rather than spending its time swimming through open water, a Mandarin slowly works its way around the rockwork, constantly inspecting the surface and picking off tiny prey. It is a completely different style of fish to watch and brings loads of detail and movement to the bottom of a reef.

Why We Like It

There really isn't another fish quite like it.

The colours are incredible, but it's the combination of colour, pattern and behaviour that makes Mandarins so special. They quietly potter around the reef all day hunting for food, occasionally spreading those elaborate fins and reminding you just how ridiculous-looking they actually are.

For a small fish, they have an enormous amount of character.

Care Notes

The biggest consideration with a Mandarin is food. They naturally spend most of the day hunting copepods and other tiny crustaceans, so an established aquarium with a healthy pod population gives them the best environment.

Some individuals learn to take frozen foods readily, but this should not automatically be assumed when buying one. Even a Mandarin that eats frozen food will benefit from having natural prey available throughout the day.

They are peaceful and reef safe, making them excellent inhabitants for mature reef aquariums. Avoid housing them with aggressive fish or extremely competitive feeders that prevent them from feeding properly.

Multiple Mand