Mandarin  – Spotted

Also known as the Spotted Mandarin or Psychedelic Mandarin

The Spotted Mandarin is a spectacular and highly sought-after species that displays unique spotted patterning distinct from the standard wavy-lined Mandarin. Native to the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to Australia, this stunning dragonet features a dark body adorned with vivid blue, orange, and green spots creating a truly psychedelic appearance. With identical care requirements to standard Mandarins and equally mesmerizing beauty, Spotted Mandarins are prized additions for advanced aquarists with established reef systems and proper feeding strategies.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Synchiropus picturatus
• Common Names: Spotted Mandarin, Psychedelic Mandarin, Picturesque Dragonet
• Adult Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm); commonly 2–2.5 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; slow-moving and docile
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe – ideal for mature reef aquariums
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum (75+ gallons strongly recommended)
• Experience Level: Advanced – requires established system with thriving microfauna population

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 (9–12+ months established) essential
• Abundant live rock with thriving copepod/amphipod population required
• Refugium with copepod culture highly recommended
• 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 essential)
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Live copepods, amphipods, microfauna (primary diet)
• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp (if trained to accept)
• Frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp
• High-quality carnivore pellets (small, slow-sinking – acceptance varies)
• Regular copepod supplementation or cultures essential
• Captive-bred specimens (when available) accept prepared foods more readily

Feeding Schedule:

• Continuous foraging throughout day (natural behavior)
• Supplement with frozen foods 2–3 times daily if accepting
• Regular copepod additions (weekly to bi-weekly)
• Slow eater; ensure no feeding competition
• Training to prepared foods requires patience

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, species that compete for copepods
• Avoid: Aggressive species, large predators, other male Mandarin dragonets, heavy copepod predators

Social Behavior:

• Very peaceful and docile
• Males territorial toward other male dragonets (including other Mandarin species)
• Can be kept in male/female pairs
• 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 more elaborate patterns

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: Dark greenish-black to brown base covered with brilliant blue, orange, yellow, and green spots creating distinctive spotted pattern (unlike wavy lines of standard Mandarin); orange facial markings; blue-edged fins; patterns unique to each individual; equally stunning to standard Mandarins but with unique spotted aesthetic.

Color Intensity:

• Adequate microfauna diet maintains vibrant spot coloration
• Spotted pattern remains consistent throughout life
• Starvation causes rapid color fading (critical warning sign)
• Colors become more intense with maturity in well-fed specimens
• Males typically show more vibrant and extensive spotting
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal appearance
• Distinctly different appearance from standard wavy-lined Mandarins

Size & Growth:

• Specimens typically available at 1.5–2.5 inches
• Slow growth rate
• Reaches adult size within 12–18 months
• Slightly smaller than standard Mandarins

Why Choose a Quarantined Spotted Mandarin?

A properly quarantined Spotted Mandarin Dragonet is a healthier specimen that has been observed, treated, and assessed for feeding behavior. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, copepod-enriched environment during quarantine, feeding behavior assessment (critical for success), and training attempts with prepared foods when possible.

These breathtaking dragonets combine spectacular spotted coloration with peaceful nature and mesmerizing foraging behavior. Their unique pattern offers a striking alternative to standard wavy-lined Mandarins while maintaining the same captivating beauty. Suitable only for experienced aquarists with properly established systems and proven success maintaining thriving microfauna populations. An exceptional choice for dedicated dragonet enthusiasts seeking distinctive spotted patterning in this iconic species.