Spotted Mandarin - Synchiropus picturatus

Spotted Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus)

The Spotted Mandarin, Synchiropus picturatus, is a stunning small marine dragonet with a rounded body, intricate green, orange and blue patterning, and distinctive spot-like markings across the body. Also known as the Spotted Mandarin Dragonet or Picturesque Dragonet, this peaceful reef fish is highly desirable for mature marine aquariums, but it has specialist feeding needs. It is best suited to established reef systems with live rock, a healthy copepod population and calm tank mates that will not outcompete it for food.

Common Name:
Spotted Mandarin, Spotted Mandarin Dragonet, Picturesque Dragonet, Psychedelic Mandarin, Green Spot Mandarin.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Synchiropus picturatus
Older trade synonym: Pterosynchiropus picturatus.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 6–7 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific. In the wild, Spotted Mandarins occur on sheltered coral reefs, rubble zones, sandy reef areas and lagoon habitats where live rock, coral rubble and natural microfauna are abundant. They spend their time close to the substrate and reef structure, picking tiny crustaceans and small invertebrates from rock and sand surfaces.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable, mature reef-quality water is essential.

Temperament:
Peaceful and shy. Spotted Mandarins are not aggressive towards most reef fish, but males may fight with other male mandarins or similar dragonets. They should not be housed with large predatory fish, aggressive wrasses, dottybacks, damsels or fast-feeding tank mates that may intimidate them or reduce food availability.

Diet:
Specialist micro-predator. Naturally feeds throughout the day on copepods, amphipods, small worms and tiny benthic invertebrates. In aquariums, it may accept live copepods, enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, small mysis, fish eggs and specialist frozen or prepared dragonet foods, but many wild-caught individuals rely heavily on live pods. A mature aquarium with a strong, ongoing copepod population is highly recommended.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger mature reef systems preferred. Smaller aquariums may work only for captive-bred or prepared-food-trained individuals with regular pod supplementation and careful feeding.

Behaviour & Activity:
A slow, deliberate bottom and rockwork browser that spends most of the day hopping, perching and gliding over live rock, sand and rubble while picking at tiny foods. It is usually peaceful and visible once settled, but it does not compete well at feeding time. A secure lid is recommended, as dragonets can jump when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Safe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It may consume tiny copepods, amphipods, small worms and other microfauna, but it is not a coral picker and is generally suitable for peaceful reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Only add to a mature, established marine aquarium with live rock, natural microfauna and stable water quality. Avoid new, sterile or ultra-low-nutrient systems unless the fish is captive-bred and confirmed to eat prepared foods. Monitor body condition closely, as mandarins can slowly lose weight if pod populations are insufficient. Keep only one male per aquarium unless the system is very large and carefully planned. Peaceful tank mates and low feeding competition are essential for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Experienced marine fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred and wild-caught availability may vary

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.