Green Mandarin Goby
Synchiropus splendidus

Identification: The Mandarin Fish is a uniquely patterned species. Its coloration is green, deep orange, red and blue, all of which randomly pattern the fish. 

Maximum Length: Attains a length of approximately 4 inches,

Origin: Western Pacific

Minimum tank size: 20 Gallon

Behavior: The mucus slime coat of this fish is poisonous, thus making it an inedible species for other large fish. This species is a moderately hardy aquarium fish, having certain specific requirements. First, it is extremely important to have live rock in a tank with this species so it may feed off of the small shrimp living in the rock. This is important because of the fact that this fish is a bottom dweller and will often starve for food, particularly if there are a number of other fish in the aquarium. Also, because of its shyness, it may not be out in the open very often and thus may not receive the prepared foods provided by the aquarist. Overall, this species is very passive, except towards other fish of its own kind

Feeding and diet: Tiny copepods and amphipods. Vitamin enriched brine shrimp, and live black worms.

Reef Compatibility: Given the fact that it will do much better in a live rock based tank, this species makes an excellent marine reef aquarium species. It will not harm the aquarist's invertebrates. It MUST be kept in a well established reef aquarium with live substrate and plenty of hiding  places. Please do not try to keep this fish in a fish only tank or a tank that does not have well  established live rock that has copepod and amphipods.

Cautions: Do not try to keep in a tank less than 6 months. Must have live rock and substrate to survive. Two males will fight with each other and with Target Mandarin Gobies.