{"product_id":"target-mandarin-synchiropus-picturatus","title":"Target Mandarin — Synchiropus picturatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTarget Mandarin — Bold patterns, delicate feeding needs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSynchiropus picturatus\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrançois Neo’s advice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare at a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Synchiropus picturatus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Callionymidae — dragonets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced feeding care, particularly for wild-caught fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOur recommendation:\u003c\/strong\u003e An established reef of 55 US gallons or larger with extensive foraging surfaces and a sustainable food supply. Volume alone is not enough.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful with suitable tankmates; interactions with other dragonets require care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally suitable with corals; feeds on tiny prey organisms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rockwork with shelter and accessible sandy or rubble areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; body condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize \u0026amp; ordering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gobies-blennies\"\u003eGobies, Blennies \u0026amp; Dragonets\u003c\/a\u003e, compare the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mandarin-dragonet-synchiropus-splendidus\"\u003eMandarin Dragonet\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003econtact François Neo\u003c\/a\u003e for advice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Francois Neo","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":68377195806943,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":68377195839711,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":68377195872479,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0326\/5247\/files\/target-mandarin-synchiropus-picturatus.png?v=1793852357","url":"https:\/\/francoisneo.com\/products\/target-mandarin-synchiropus-picturatus","provider":"FrancoisNeo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}