Green Mandarin Dragonet

Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Difficult
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Bright green body with vibrant blue, orange, and red patterns
• Diet: Carnivore (microfauna specialist)
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
  • Temperature: 72–78°F
  • dKH: 8–12
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
• Max. Size: 4 inches
• Family: Callionymidae
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (with a mature refugium recommended)

Overview:

The Green Mandarin Dragonet, often called the Green Mandarin Goby, is one of the most visually striking fish in the marine aquarium trade. Its vibrant green body is adorned with swirling blue and orange patterns, making it a living piece of art. However, this fish is best suited for experienced aquarists due to its specialized dietary needs.

Habitat and Behavior:

Native to the coral rubble and sand beds of the Indo-Pacific, the Green Mandarin Dragonet is a bottom-dwelling species that spends most of its time slowly foraging for food among live rock and substrate. They are peaceful and ideal for community tanks but may be territorial toward other dragonets if space is limited.

Diet:

The Green Mandarin Dragonet is a microfauna specialist, primarily feeding on copepods, amphipods, and other small crustaceans. In established tanks with mature live rock and refugiums, they can thrive on natural food sources. Supplemental feedings of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp may help, but their long-term success often depends on a steady supply of pods.

Care Tips:

This species requires a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and a sustainable population of copepods. A refugium or regular replenishment of pod cultures is highly recommended. Although reef-safe, avoid aggressive tankmates that may outcompete them for food. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid overcrowding to reduce stress.