Species · GBIF taxon 2386640
Mandarinfish
Synchiropus splendidusAlso known as Mandarin Dragonet, Green Mandarin, Mandarin Gobline
Mandarinfish are exquisite, scaleless reef dwellers renowned for their dazzling labyrinthine patterns of electric blue, orange, green, and yellow. Rather than relying on physical armor, they secrete a foul-tasting, bitter mucus coating that deters predators and shields them from marine parasites. Native to warm tropical lagoons and inshore coral reefs, they spend their days hovering quietly near dead coral rubble in search of microscopic crustaceans.
Reef DwellerColorfulCarnivorous
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Copepods
- Amphipods
- Polychaete Worms
Predators
- Moray Eels
- Scorpionfish
- Small Groupers
ThreatsAquarium trade overcollection and coral reef habitat degradation
HabitatsShallow coral reefs, sheltered lagoons, and dead coral rubble fields
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyCallionymidae
- GenusSynchiropus
- SpeciesSynchiropus splendidus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Dusk Spotting: Look for courtship rituals near dead coral or rubble in shallow reef crests right around sunset.
- Approach Slowly: Move gently and avoid sudden artificial lights, as these shy bottom-dwellers easily retreat into reef crevices.
- Avoid Touching: Never handle wild specimens, as touching damages their protective mucus layer.
Close Relative (c) Rickard Zerpe, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nicola Crockford, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nicola Crockford · cc-by
Close Relative Fedtred / Public domain · cc0
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