The Green Mandarin Goby (Synchiropus splendidus), also known as the Mandarin Dragonet, is widely considered one of the most beautiful fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Its psychedelic blue, orange, and green patterning makes it an instant centerpiece. This is an advanced-level species with a peaceful temperament — best suited for mature reef tanks with established copepod populations.
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Care Guide
- Tank Size:55 gallons minimum — larger is better to sustain a copepod population
- Temperature:72–78°F (22–26°C)
- Salinity:1.023–1.025 sg
- pH:8.1–8.4
- dKH:8–12
- Diet:Carnivore — live copepods, amphipods, brine shrimp, and frozen mysis (if trained). A refugium or regular copepod dosing is highly recommended
- Temperament:Peaceful
- Reef Compatible:Yes — completely reef safe, will not bother corals or invertebrates
- Max Size:3–4 inches (7–10 cm)
Specifications
| Common Name | Green Mandarin Goby / Mandarin Dragonet |
| Scientific Name | Synchiropus splendidus |
| Family | Callionymidae |
| Origin | Western Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia, Australia |
| Care Level | Advanced |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years in captivity |
| Size at Purchase | Varies |
| Water Type | Saltwater |
Compatibility
The Green Mandarin Goby is completely reef safe and extremely peaceful. Its thick slime coat makes it naturally resistant to most common saltwater diseases. Males may be territorial with other male mandarins, so keep only one male per tank unless the system is very large.
Good tank mates:Clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, tangs, dwarf angelfish, corals, and invertebrates
Avoid:Aggressive or fast-eating fish that will outcompete the mandarin for food (triggers, large wrasses, dottybacks)
FAQ
Is the Green Mandarin Goby reef safe?
Yes, completely. Mandarins will not bother corals, clams, or invertebrates. They spend most of their time picking copepods off live rock.
What do Mandarin Gobies eat?
Their primary diet is live copepods and amphipods. A mature tank with plenty of live rock and a refugium is ideal. Some mandarins can be trained to eat frozen mysis shrimp, but this is not guaranteed.
How do I keep a copepod population for my Mandarin?
A refugium with chaetomorpha algae is the best way to sustain a copepod population. You can also dose live copepods regularly. A tank under 70 gallons may struggle to keep up with a mandarin’s appetite without supplementation.
Can I keep two Mandarin Gobies together?
A male-female pair can coexist in tanks 75 gallons or larger. Two males will fight. Females lack the elongated first dorsal spine that males display.
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