Green Mandarin Dragonet

Synchiropus splendens


(1 Reviews)

Green Mandarin Dragonet

Green Mandarin Dragonet

Synchiropus splendens


(1 Reviews)

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Green Mandarin Dragonet Care Facts

Size: 2.5-3 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Copepods
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
Coral Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
The Green Mandarin Dragonet, Synchiropus splendidus, features a vibrant green scaleless body with orange and blue wavy lines across the body and tail highlighted in blue edging. Male Green Mandarin Dragonets also have a large pointed dorsal fin. They are very peaceful and can be housed with other peaceful fish in a reef tank setting, but may become territorial towards other blennies, gobies or dartfish in smaller tanks. However, they are very sensitive and can be difficult to acclimate, requiring an established set up and steady copepod source.
Gobies tend to stay mainly towards the bottom of the tank, burrowing and sifting through the sand. Diet should include a steady supply of amphipods and copepods, and over time can be weaned to a varied diet of frozen or live mysis shrimp and vitamin enriched brine shrimp 1-2 times daily.


About the Green Mandarin Dragonet

The Green Mandarin Dragonet ( Synchiropus splendidus) is a captivating and mesmerizing addition to saltwater marine aquariums. With its vibrant colors and graceful movements, this species of dragonet can add a touch of beauty and charm to any reef environment. Let's explore various aspects of the Green Mandarin's captivating presence in marine aquariums.

Habitat and Range

Habitat: The Green Mandarin Dragonet is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly around the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia. In the wild, they inhabit shallow reef flats and lagoons with plenty of live rock and coral rubble for shelter.

Reef-Safe Behavior and Water Quality

Reef Safe: The Green Mandarin is reef safe and considered peaceful. However, they can be sensitive to water quality, so maintaining pristine water conditions is essential.

Size, Lifespan, and Diet

Size: The Green Mandarin is relatively small, reaching about 2.5 to 3 inches (6.5 to 7.5 cm) in length.

Lifespan: They can have a lifespan of several years with proper care in a well-maintained aquarium.

Diet: The Green Mandarin is a carnivorous species that feeds on small invertebrates and copepods in the wild.

Aquaculture and Compatibility

Aquaculture: The Green Mandarin is commonly available in the aquarium trade. Some specimens are captive-bred, which helps reduce the demand for wild-caught individuals.

Compatibility: Green Mandarins are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own species or similar-looking fish.

Sexual Dimorphism and Suitable Tank Mates

Sexual Dimorphism: Male Green Mandarins typically have a more elongated and pointed first dorsal fin than females.

Suitable Tank Mates: A variety of tank mates can coexist harmoniously with Green Mandarins.

Examples of Suitable Tank Mates:

Tank Requirements and Other Common Names

Tank Requirements: The Green Mandarin requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock, coral rubble, and crevices for hiding spots and foraging.

Other Common Names: In addition to the name "Green Mandarin" or "Synchiropus splendidus," this species is also known as the "Mandarin Dragonet" or "Green Mandarinfish."

In Conclusion: The Green Mandarin Dragonet ( Synchiropus splendidus) is a captivating and elegant addition to saltwater marine aquariums. Their stunning colors and graceful movements make them a highly sought-after species among marine enthusiasts. Aquarists can enjoy the allure and beauty of these enchanting dragonets in their underwater havens by providing them with a suitable environment, compatible tank mates, and a steady supply of copepods. With proper care and attention, the Green Mandarin can thrive and become a focal point of admiration in any saltwater marine aquarium.

The dragonet is a beautiful fish. I think he’s still alive, but I’ve only seen him once since he went into the tank. Hopefully, he adjusts to his tank mates and makes himself visible.


Reviewed by: Becky Buzzelli on Oct. 27, 2024


Reviewed by: Dawnnetta Garcia on Sept. 29, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on Sept. 11, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on Sept. 9, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on Aug. 4, 2024

One of the most beautiful fish you will ever see. Very calm and collective. Wanders the bottom of the tank a lot. Always on the look out for copepods and anything else it can eat. Keep a steady supply of copepods though so your mandarin does not go hungry.


Reviewed by: Dale Pichelmayer on July 29, 2024

Very beautiful peaceful fish that slowly moves around eating tiny creatures in the tank. Fun to watch.


Reviewed by: Alan Peterson on June 17, 2024

Excellent fish with lots of personality. Best in a established tank with pods.


Reviewed by: Rodney Caylor on June 4, 2024

Beautiful and healthy when received


Reviewed by: Richard Kenney on May 6, 2024


Reviewed by: Terrence Mcgovern on March 18, 2024


Reviewed by: Wilfredo Castillo on March 13, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on March 13, 2024


Reviewed by: Daniel Solis on Feb. 25, 2024

As eaten a couple frozen while eating live ????????


Reviewed by: Mike Perdue on Jan. 17, 2024


Reviewed by: Robert Lake on Jan. 10, 2024


Reviewed by: Mark Mcdowell on Oct. 17, 2023

Killed by pistol shrimp. Beautiful fish


Reviewed by: Dustin Hirt on Aug. 14, 2023

Nice fish


Reviewed by: Alvin Barbes on June 27, 2023

Arrived in good condition , acclimated for 3 hours thru drip method. Fish hid for 24 hours now is swimming in and out of reef from one end to the other of eight foot tank. Seems to be eating well. Looks very happy and gets along with other fish.


Reviewed by: Donald on Jan. 9, 2017

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