Mandarin Dragonet – Red (Captive Bred)

Also known as the Scarlet Mandarin or Red Mandarin Goby

The Red Mandarin Dragonet is an exceptionally rare and stunning color variant that showcases brilliant red, orange, and yellow coloration instead of the typical blue-green pattern. Native to the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to Australia, this highly sought-after dragonet features vivid warm tones with intricate wavy patterns that create a breathtaking appearance. Captive-bred Red Mandarins offer the ultimate combination of extraordinary rarity and dramatically improved survivability through acceptance of prepared foods, making them prized additions for intermediate to advanced aquarists with established reef systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus (red color morph)
• Common Names: Red Mandarin, Scarlet Mandarin, Red Mandarin Dragonet
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm); commonly 2.5–3 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years with proper care (captive-bred often longer)
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; slow-moving and docile
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe – ideal for mature reef aquariums
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum (55+ gallons strongly recommended)
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced (Captive-Bred) – requires established system with feeding plan

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found in sheltered lagoons, coral reefs, and rubble areas at depths of 3–60 feet. Spends most time slowly hopping along substrate searching for microfauna.

Tank Environment:

• Mature system (6+ months established) essential
• Abundant live rock with thriving copepod/amphipod population
• Sandy substrate or fine rubble bottom
• Peaceful tankmates only
• Multiple hiding spots and crevices
• Low to moderate water flow
• Standard reef lighting

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm (excellent water quality preferred)
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods (Captive-Bred Advantage):

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods (primary diet)
• High-quality carnivore pellets (small, slow-sinking)
• Frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp
• Live copepods, amphipods (supplementary foraging)
• Captive-bred specimens readily accept prepared foods – major advantage over wild-caught

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times daily
• Small, frequent meals essential
• Target feed near substrate
• Supplement with regular copepod cultures or additions
• Slow eater; ensure adequate feeding time without competition

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Clownfish, gobies (peaceful), blennies, firefish, dartfish, cardinalfish, anthias, peaceful wrasses, small peaceful tangs, all peaceful community fish
• Caution with: Other dragonets (males territorial), aggressive feeders, fast-moving competitive species
• Avoid: Aggressive species, large predators, other male Mandarin dragonets, species that deplete copepod populations rapidly

Social Behavior:

• Very peaceful and docile
• Males territorial toward other male dragonets
• Can be kept in male/female pairs (extremely rare availability)
• Slow, deliberate hopping movement along substrate
• Spends most time foraging on live rock and sand
• Shy initially but becomes bolder in peaceful tanks
• Males display larger dorsal fin and brighter colors

Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe with all corals, anemones, and sessile invertebrates. Safe with all ornamental shrimp and invertebrates. Will not harm any fish or invertebrates; only consumes microfauna.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant red to scarlet base with intricate orange, yellow, and red-orange wavy lines and patterns; warm-toned face and fins; patterns unique to each individual like fingerprints; red coloration replaces the blue seen in standard morphs; absolutely breathtaking and extremely rare appearance.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant red coloration
• Captive-bred specimens often show enhanced coloration
• Stress may cause temporary dulling
• Colors become more intense with maturity
• Males typically more colorful than females
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal appearance
• One of the most sought-after color morphs in marine fishkeeping

Size & Growth:

• Captive-bred juveniles typically available at 1–2 inches
• Slow growth rate
• Reaches adult size within 12–18 months
• Remains small throughout life

Why Choose a Captive-Bred Red Mandarin?

Captive-bred Red Mandarin Dragonets offer tremendous advantages over wild-caught specimens: readily accept prepared foods (frozen mysis, pellets) – the single biggest factor in long-term survival; superior hardiness and disease resistance; pre-conditioned to aquarium life from birth; reduced stress from collection and shipping; dramatically improved survival rates (80%+ vs. 20% for wild-caught); extraordinary rarity combined with proven feeding – the ultimate combination.

These extraordinarily beautiful dragonets combine absolutely spectacular warm-toned coloration with dramatically improved survivability, making them the ultimate prize for serious dragonet enthusiasts. Their mesmerizing red patterns, peaceful nature, and entertaining foraging behavior create an unforgettable addition, while captive breeding makes their long-term care significantly more successful than wild-caught specimens. The holy grail of Mandarin dragonets – breathtaking rarity meets proven aquarium hardiness.