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A living jewel of the reef, the Spotted Dragonet (Synchiropus picturatus), also known as the Spotted Mandarin or Psychedelic Dragonet, is one of the most colourful and enchanting fish in the marine hobby. Its body is adorned with vivid green, blue, orange, and black circular patterns that look almost hand-painted, making it a true showpiece for experienced aquarists.
Species: Synchiropus picturatus
Common Names: Spotted Dragonet, Spotted Mandarin, Psychedelic Mandarin
Origin: Indo-Pacific – reefs and lagoons from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and northern Australia
Light Requirements: Moderate – thrives in reef lighting with shaded areas
Diet: Carnivorous – feeds primarily on live copepods, amphipods, and other microfauna; may accept enriched frozen foods over time
Maximum Size: 7–8 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, shy
Care Level: Advanced – requires a mature, pod-rich system
Aquarium Setup:
Best housed in established reef aquariums of 200 litres or more, with live rock providing grazing surfaces for copepod populations. These dragonets require calm environments with plenty of hiding spots and minimal competition for food. They are reef-safe and will not bother corals or invertebrates. A secure, peaceful setup is essential for long-term success.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Hardness: 8–12 dKH
Growth and Maintenance:
Spotted Dragonets are delicate and best suited to experienced aquarists who can maintain stable water conditions and ensure a continuous supply of live food. Over time, some individuals can adapt to enriched frozen foods like mysis or brine shrimp, but they thrive best in systems with robust copepod colonies.
Care Tips:
✔ Only introduce into mature, pod-rich aquariums
✔ Avoid aggressive or fast-feeding tankmates that outcompete them for food
✔ Supplement with live copepods if natural populations are insufficient
✔ Provide plenty of live rock for foraging and security
✔ Keep stress low—these fish are sensitive to poor conditions
Compatibility:
Extremely peaceful and reef-safe. Best kept with gentle tankmates such as gobies, blennies, and small wrasses. Avoid aggressive or dominant species.
Availability:
Available in the Australian trade, though less common than Green Mandarins. Often sold as wild-caught, so ensure careful acclimation and a stable, established tank before purchase.
Disclaimer:
As live animals, Spotted Dragonets may vary in size, pattern, and colour intensity depending on age, diet, and environment.