Mandarin

Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus)
AKA Green or Red Mandarin

Maximum size:
8cm

Suggested minimum aquarium size when adult:
100 litres

Difficulty:
Moderate-difficult

Feeding:
Difficult to feed, try live copepods or frozen lobster eggs to get them feeding in the first instance. Will usually take frozen Brineshrimp and Mysis when settled. Provide plenty of live rock which they will search for natural food constantly. Our Mandarins are guaranteed feeding on frozen food, and we are happy to show you them feeding prior to purchase.

Reef safe:
Yes, although will eat all the copepods/amphipods

Compatibility:
Peaceful, although do not usually mix well with their own kind. Best kept with other slow moving fish, many Manderins starve as the are kept in aquariums where there are too many active fish.

Other information
Will only take live food initially (Copepods), once settled will accept frozen foods, try lobster eggs to get them feeding. Should be kept in aquarium with plenty of live rock, where they can search for food. Mandarins can produce a thick mucous that can suffocate other fish in an enclosed space. Always move Mandarins on their own and rinse net after capture.
This species can be quite variable in colouration most are green/blue, but a few have more prominent red colouration. Males have an elongated first ray on the dorsal fin.
Has been reared in captivity, although most are still wild caught.

For more information ask a member of staff in store.

This is a library photo taken at The WaterZoo, exact appearance may differ due to natural variations.

Our marine fish are hand picked from TMC and rested on our premises for at least 7 days and guaranteed feeding before being offered for sale.

All marine fish are only available for collection and payment in store. We are happy to reserve a fish in stock for up to 5 days. However, this will still be shown on our website until collected. Fish not collected within the specified period will be offered for sale without further notice.