Blue Mandarin Dragonet Pair - Captive

Blue Mandarin Dragonet — Synchiropus picturatus

The Synchiropus picturatus Blue Mandarin Dragonet is a small, vibrantly colored reef fish featuring an intricate pattern of blue, green, and orange swirls along its body. Known for its peaceful and delicate nature, it spends most of its time sifting live rock and substrate for copepods and other microfauna, making it a visually stunning and behaviorally fascinating addition to reef tanks. It is reef-safe but requires careful attention to diet and tank maturity to thrive.

Blue Mandarin Dragonets thrive in established reef tanks with stable water parameters, abundant live rock, and a mature population of copepods or other small invertebrates. Introduce them only after the tank has fully cycled and a sustainable microfauna population exists. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended, though larger systems better support multiple specimens and natural foraging behavior.

Their diet can be supplemented with enriched frozen foods or pellets from San Francisco Bay Brand, Hikari, PE, TDO, and New Life Spectrum, particularly finely crushed options to mimic natural prey. Consistent target feeding ensures proper nutrition and supports 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.