Green Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus)

The Green Mandarin, also known as the Mandarin Dragonet, is one of the most colorful and mesmerizing fish in the marine hobby. With its vibrant green body adorned with intricate blue, orange, and yellow patterns, the Green Mandarin is a true jewel in any aquarium. Known for its peaceful nature and small size, this fish is best suited for well-established reef tanks with plenty of live rock, as it relies on natural food sources like copepods for sustenance. Due to its specialized diet, the Green Mandarin is recommended for experienced aquarists who can provide a steady supply of live food.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum, though larger tanks with well-established refugiums or live rock are preferred for pod populations.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on copepods and other small crustaceans. In captivity, it may be challenging to train on frozen foods, so a tank with a thriving pod population is essential. Supplemental live food or a dedicated copepod supply may be required.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; generally non-aggressive and compatible with a variety of peaceful tankmates. Avoid housing with aggressive fish that might outcompete it for food.
• Skill Level: Advanced; requires a stable, mature tank with sufficient live food, making it best suited for experienced aquarists.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it an ideal addition to reef tanks with sufficient live rock.

Special Requirement - Live Copepods
The Green Mandarin is highly dependent on live copepods and other microfauna, as it constantly forages for these small creatures throughout the day. A mature tank with a robust pod population or regular additions of live copepods is essential to meet its dietary needs.

Compatibility
The Green Mandarin is peaceful and compatible with a wide variety of tankmates, especially in reef setups. Avoid housing it with aggressive fish or fast-feeding species that may outcompete it for food.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Green Mandarin boasts a vibrant blend of green, blue, orange, and yellow hues, creating an intricate and eye-catching pattern. Its vivid colors make it a standout addition to any aquarium​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, especially in reef and lagoon areas with dense live rock and sand, where it forages for small crustaceans. It thrives in mature, well-established aquariums with plenty of hiding spots and a healthy pod population​.