🐠 Red Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus cf. splendidus)
A Warm Red-to-Scarlet Base With Wavy Orange and Yellow Maze Patterning • A Rare Colour Morph of the Classic Mandarin Dragonet • Natural Resistance to Ich and Velvet
 
📋 The Red Mandarin Dragonet is a rare colour morph of the same species as the classic Green/Blue Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus), rather than a separate species, the "cf." in its scientific name reflects this taxonomic uncertainty. It displays a warm red-to-scarlet base with intricate wavy orange and yellow maze-like patterning, and much wider, more pronounced red pectoral fins than the classic blue-green form.
It comes from the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to Australia, inhabiting sheltered lagoons, coral reefs, and rubble areas at shallow depths. A fascinating natural history detail: like other mandarins, it secretes a thick, foul-tasting mucus coating that deters predators and gives it real resistance to common marine diseases like ich and velvet. Every Red Mandarin Dragonet we ship is feeding well.
This species has exactly the same specialised dietary needs as the standard Green/Blue Mandarin Dragonet: in the wild it feeds almost exclusively on tiny live copepods and amphipods, and we recommend it only for an aquarium established for at least 6-8 months with a healthy, thriving pod population. Coaxing this species onto frozen or prepared foods can be difficult, so an ongoing live food supply matters for long-term success. It reaches up to 8cm, so a 115L tank suits it well, mature with an established pod population.
 
💡 Highlights
🎨 Warm Red-Orange Maze Pattern: A rare, sought-after colour morph
🔬 A Colour Variant, Not a Separate Species: The "cf." reflects real taxonomic uncertainty
🍽️ Live-Food Specialist: Thrives in an established tank with a thriving pod population
🛡️ Natural Disease Resistance: Toxic mucus coating provides real resistance to ich and velvet
🌿 Fully Reef Safe: Won't harm corals or invertebrates