Target Mandarin — Synchiropus picturatus

Target Mandarin — Bold patterns, delicate feeding needs

Synchiropus picturatus, also called the Spotted or Psychedelic Mandarin, wears distinctive orange, black and turquoise ringed spots over a greenish body. This dragonet moves slowly around the reef, inspecting the substrate and rockwork for small prey.

François Neo’s advice

My recommendation: assess what your aquarium can feed before adding a Mandarin. Prepare a reliable supply of appropriate small foods, consider competition from other microfauna hunters and watch the individual fish eat. Beautiful colors should come with a practical feeding plan.

Care at a glance

• Scientific name: Synchiropus picturatus.
• Family: Callionymidae — dragonets.
• Adult size: Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm).
• Experience: Advanced feeding care, particularly for wild-caught fish.
• Our recommendation: An established reef of 55 US gallons or larger with extensive foraging surfaces and a sustainable food supply. Volume alone is not enough.
• Temperament: Peaceful with suitable tankmates; interactions with other dragonets require care.
• Reef compatibility: Generally suitable with corals; feeds on tiny prey organisms.
• Habitat: Rockwork with shelter and accessible sandy or rubble areas.

Feeding & body condition

Provide dependable access to copepods and other suitable small live prey. Offer fine frozen foods when accepted, using target feeding if necessary. Prepared-food acceptance varies; confirm the actual specimen’s diet before purchase.

Captive-bred individuals may be accustomed to prepared foods, but this listing does not imply captive-bred origin. Monitor body condition even when the fish appears to hunt constantly, and reassess competition if it loses weight.

Size & ordering

Choose S, M or L. Ask for current measurements, origin and feeding response. Size does not guarantee sex. The image illustrates the species; each order is for one fish unless stated otherwise.

Browse Gobies, Blennies & Dragonets, compare the Mandarin Dragonet, or contact François Neo for advice.