Blue Mandarin Dragonet -Preorder
Blue Mandarin Dragonet -Preorder
Blue Mandarin Goby (Synchiropus splendidus)
The Blue Mandarin Goby, also known as the Mandarin Dragonet, is prized for its intricate blue, orange, and green patterning. Its slow, deliberate movement brings color and detail to the lower areas of an established reef, where it spends much of the day searching rockwork for tiny prey.
This is a striking fish for the right aquarium, but its feeding needs deserve careful planning. A mature reef with a dependable copepod population gives a mandarin the best opportunity to thrive.
Recommended Care
Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus
Common Name: Blue Mandarin Goby, Mandarin Dragonet
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Generally reef safe
Aquarium: Mature, established reef with ample live rock
Feeding: Frequent access to live copepods and other small prey; prepared foods only if the individual fish is confirmed to eat them
Habitat & Compatibility
Provide plenty of rockwork and sheltered areas where the mandarin can forage. Peaceful tankmates are best. Avoid placing it with fish that will aggressively compete for the same small live foods, especially if the aquarium’s copepod population is limited.
Feeding
Blue Mandarins graze throughout the day rather than relying on one large feeding. Maintain a healthy copepod population and watch the fish’s body condition over time. Some mandarins learn to take small frozen or prepared foods, but do not assume this fish will accept them unless that has been confirmed for the individual offered.
Preorder & Quarantine
This fish is ordered specifically for you. Once it arrives at Island Reef Aquatics, it will complete a 7-day quarantine before pickup or shipment. We’ll confirm the delivery date after it has completed quarantine and is healthy for release.
For an established reef keeper ready to meet its specialized feeding needs, the Blue Mandarin Goby offers extraordinary natural color and an engaging way of moving through the aquarium.
Product image is representative. The fish received may vary in color and pattern.