Mandarinfish size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 6 cm. The largest on record measured 7 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 7 Callionymidae species on LumaReef: 4 cm (Ruby red dragonet) to 30 cm (Orange and Black Dragonet).

Mandarinfish tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 75 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Standard tank or larger.

Mandarinfish tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 89 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Yellowtail damselfish, Azure damselfish, and Tailspot blenny.

Mandarinfish depth: how deep does it live?

In the wild, 1 to 18 m down. Shallower than most Callionymidae on LumaReef (11–47 m).

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Mandarinfish

Synchiropus splendidus

It hovers like a helicopter on whirring pectorals and never hurries.

The Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) is a tropical marine fish of the family Callionymidae. It lives on and around reefs, between 1 and 18 m deep. Adults grow to about 6 cm; the largest on record measured 7 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 75 cm long and water at 23–27 °C.

Size: 6 cm
Smallest tank: 75 cm
Temperature: 23–27 °C
Care: Demanding

In the aquarium

Temperature23–27 °C

pH7.8–8.5

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Calm
Water layer: Bottom
Group: Lives on its own
Coral: Reef safe

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litres25 of them
Wide120 cm · 300 litres42 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres92 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres171 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres205 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along89 species

and 65 more species

Caution1 species

Narrow shared temperature range

Lined seahorse

Not together9 species

Aggressive with peaceful

In the wild

Water type: Marine
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Coral and rocky reefs
Largest on record: 7 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Traded commercially

Depth

surface

1 m18 m

Conservation status

Classification

OrderSyngnathiformes
FamilyCallionymidae
GenusSynchiropus
SpeciesSynchiropus splendidus
Described byHerre, 1927

In other languages

German: Mandarin-Leierfisch
Spanish: Pez Mandarín Dragón
French: Poisson mandarin
Italian: Pesce mandarino splendido
Dutch: Blauwe mandarijnpitvis
Turkish: Mandalina balığı
Russian: Мандаринка
Japanese: ニシキテグリ
Chinese: 花斑連鰭䲗

Quick answers

Mandarinfish size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 6 cm. The largest on record measured 7 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 7 Callionymidae species on LumaReef: 4 cm (Ruby red dragonet) to 30 cm (Orange and Black Dragonet).
Mandarinfish tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 75 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Standard tank or larger.
Mandarinfish water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5.
Mandarinfish tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 89 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Yellowtail damselfish, Azure damselfish, and Tailspot blenny.
Mandarinfish: alone or in a group?: It can be kept on its own.
Mandarinfish and corals: is it reef safe?: Yes, it leaves corals alone.
Mandarinfish depth: how deep does it live?: In the wild, 1 to 18 m down. Shallower than most Callionymidae on LumaReef (11–47 m).