Green Mandarin Goby (Synchiropus splendidus) Care Guide:
The Green Mandarin Goby, also known as the Mandarin Dragonet, is a small, vibrant saltwater fish prized for its psychedelic green, blue, and orange coloration. Native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs, it thrives in well-established marine aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks are preferable to support a healthy population of copepods, their primary food source. Ideal water parameters include temperatures of 72–78°F (22–26°C), pH 8.1–8.4, and salinity of 1.020–1.025. Green Mandarins are slow feeders and require a mature tank with abundant live copepods, supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp or other microfauna. They are peaceful and reef-safe, making them suitable for community reef tanks with non-aggressive tankmates. Stability, mature biofilm, and plentiful hiding spaces are essential for their long-term health and coloration.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Synchiropus splendidus |
| Common Name | Green Mandarin Goby / Mandarin Dragonet |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific coral reefs |
| Size | Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons |
| Temperature | 72–78°F (22–26°C) |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.020–1.025 specific gravity |
| Diet | Carnivorous – live copepods, frozen mysis shrimp |
| Temperament | Peaceful, reef-safe |
| Tank Setup | Plenty of live rock, hiding spots, mature copepod population |
| Lifespan | 4–8 years |
| Compatibility | Peaceful reef fish; avoid aggressive feeders |
