🐠 Red Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus cf. splendidus)
Bottom Dweller • Microfauna Hunter • Peaceful Reef Fish • Display Species
 
📋 The Red Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus cf. splendidus) is a dazzlingly colorful variant of the Blue Mandarin, featuring deep red-orange body tones highlighted by iridescent blue fin outlines. Its peaceful nature, graceful “walking” motion, and brilliant hues make it one of the most visually captivating reef-safe species in the marine hobby.
Native to the Western Pacific reefs, this species thrives in mature aquariums rich in copepods and amphipods. Captive-bred Red Mandarins are now available, offering aquarists a sustainable and hardier alternative to wild specimens.
With its jewel-like colors and serene behavior, the Red Mandarin Dragonet stands out as a living gem — an exquisite display fish that rewards aquarists who maintain stable, mature reef environments.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Striking red coloration: vibrant ruby-red and orange hues
⚪ Peaceful temperament: ideal for calm reef tanks
📏 Compact and elegant: grows up to 7 cm (2.8")
✅ Reef compatible: completely safe with corals and invertebrates
🐠 Captive bred option: hardy and eco-friendly for aquarists