Eats frozen food!

Spotted Mandarin — Synchiropus picturatus

Specialist micro-predator. Highest risk is starvation without abundant pods.

Quick facts

• Size: 6–8 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef-safe: Yes

• Minimum tank: 120+ l with strong pod production

• Lifespan: 5–10 years if properly fed

Aquarium requirements

• Mature system: 9–12+ months, heavy live rock with porous surfaces.

• Refugium/pod culture: Strongly recommended (chaeto refugium, pod “hotels”).

• Water: pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, temp 24–26 °C; NH3/NO2 0, NO3 <15 ppm.

• Flow: Low–moderate; many grazing zones.

• Cover: Advisable.

Diet

• Primary: Continuous live copepods and amphipods.

• Supplements: Enriched baby brine, Calanus, fish roe, finely chopped mysis. Many refuse prepared foods.

• Captive-bred: Often accept frozen/micro-pellets; strongly preferred.

• Strategy: Seed pods routinely, run refugium, target-feed at rockwork with a baster or feeding station.

Behavior and compatibility

• Keeping: One per tank unless a true pair in a large, pod-rich system.

• Tankmates: Peaceful species only; avoid pod competitors like sixlines/leopard wrasses and boisterous fish.

• Activity: Constant grazer; low bioload if food is adequate.

Acclimation and health

• Quarantine: Observational or TTM only; avoid copper.

• Disease: Thick slime coat reduces, not eliminates, ich susceptibility.

• Condition: Choose individuals with rounded bellies and active pecking.

Identification notes

• Psychedelic green base with blue/orange ringed spots; males have longer first dorsal filament.

• Often sold as “Psychedelic/Spotted Mandarin.”

Buyer’s checklist

• Prefer captive-bred, visibly eating frozen or micro-pellets.

• Verify your system’s pod production before purchase.

• Avoid if pinched belly or lethargic.