The Spotted Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus), also known as the Picturesque Dragonet, Psychedelic Mandarin, or Target Mandarin, is a brightly colored member of the dragonet family native to the Indo-West Pacific.

Distribution and Habitat

The Spotted Mandarin is native to the Indo-West Pacific, found in the Philippines, eastern Indonesia, and northwest Australia. It inhabits sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs with abundant coral growth.

Physical Description

The Spotted Mandarin may grow to a size of 7 cm (2.8 in) in length. It has thick slime on its skin that inhibits many types of parasitic infection and minimizes the risk of disease. It is one of only two vertebrates known to have blue coloring because of cellular pigment. The body features intricate patterns of spots and swirls in green, blue, orange, and brown.

Diet and Feeding

The Spotted Mandarin is carnivorous, feeding primarily on harpacticoid copepods, polychaete worms, small gastropods, amphipods, fish eggs, and ostracods. In captivity it requires a well-established tank with abundant copepod populations or frequent feedings of live foods.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is quite peaceful with other species. It naturally lives at a temperature between 24 and 28 C. It has been bred in captivity.

Aquarium Care

It requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with abundant live rock and a well-established copepod population. It is considered reef-safe. It can be difficult to feed in captivity and may require live foods such as copepods.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.