Live Arrival & Health Guarantee
Live coral and fish are final sale and covered by our DOA guarantee. A 5-day health guarantee applies to retail orders.
Description
The Spotted Mandarin is a stunning and distinctive dragonet fish, known for its vibrant pattern of turquoise, orange, black and green (or tan) on a delicate body. It typically reaches around 3″ in adult size.
Habitat & Behavior
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Originates in the Indo-West Pacific, inhabiting shallow protected reefs and rubble zones.
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Peaceful in temperament but can be quite particular about food.
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Males and females may differ: males often have a more elongated first dorsal spine and brighter coloration.
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Best kept in an established aquarium with plenty of live rock, sand bed, and a thriving microfauna for them to forage.
Care Requirements
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Tank size: minimum ~30 gallons (or suitably larger) to allow plenty of space and live rock for foraging.
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Water parameters: for example, sg ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72-78 °F, pH ~8.1-8.4.
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Diet: Primarily live micro-invertebrates such as copepods; transition to frozen or prepared foods can be challenging. Regular access to live rock and sand bed is strongly recommended.
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Reef compatibility: Yes, generally reef safe—but as with any slower feeder, be mindful of competition from faster fish.
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Social behavior: Should usually be the only one of its kind unless you have a very large tank and enough resources; males may be territorial.
Tip: Since Spotted Mandarins require a well-established system with plenty of live rock and microfauna, it’s best to only add one after your tank has matured sufficiently.
If you’re looking for a show-piece reef-safe fish that brings incredible color and specialized behavior to your aquarium, the Spotted Mandarin is a beautiful choice — provided you’re ready to meet its dietary and environmental needs. You’ll want to ensure your system is ready and you’re prepared for its foraging requirements.
