Blue Mandarin Dragonet - Captive

Blue Mandarin Dragonet — Synchiropus picturatus

The Synchiropus picturatus Blue Mandarin Dragonet is a small, vibrantly colored reef fish with a mesmerizing mosaic of electric blue, green, and orange patterns along its body. Peaceful and reef-safe, it spends most of its time foraging among live rock for copepods and other microfauna, providing both functional pest control and captivating behavior for hobbyists. Its slow, delicate movements make it a centerpiece species for mature reef tanks with established microfauna populations.

Blue Mandarin Dragonets thrive in mature reef tanks with stable water parameters, abundant live rock, and a well-established population of copepods or other small invertebrates. Introduce only to fully cycled systems to ensure sufficient food and reduce stress. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended, with larger systems better suited for multiple specimens.

Their diet can be supplemented with enriched frozen foods or finely crushed pellets from San Francisco Bay Brand, Hikari, PE, TDO, and New Life Spectrum, in addition to natural microfauna grazing. Target feeding supports proper nutrition and vibrant coloration.

Approximate product size: 1.5"–2.5" (varies by availability)

We maintain a rigorous, veterinarian-approved quarantine program that includes proactive treatments, careful observation, and daily monitoring to ensure the highest standards of fish health. Our biosecurity practices reduce the risk of any cross-contamination between systems, meaning our livestock are ready for your display tanks.