Green Mandarin Goby (Synchiropus splendidus)

Description:

Behavior: The Green Mandarin Goby, also known as the Green Mandarin Dragonet, is a peaceful and reclusive species known for its stunning coloration and unique behavior. These fish are generally non-aggressive and can coexist well with other peaceful tankmates. They thrive in well-structured environments with plenty of live rock and hiding spots.

Color: The Green Mandarin Goby is visually mesmerizing, featuring a body adorned with vibrant shades of green, blue, orange, and red. Their intricate and vivid patterns make them one of the most visually captivating marine fish. Both juveniles and adults exhibit similar color patterns.

Diet: Green Mandarin Gobies are primarily carnivores and have specialized dietary needs. They thrive on a diet of live foods such as copepods and amphipods that are naturally found in mature, well-established aquariums. It is difficult to convert these fish to prepared foods, and they do best in aquariums that are at least one year old with a healthy population of live food. Supplementing their diet with high-quality frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp can also be beneficial. Ensuring a constant supply of live food is crucial to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Tankmates: Green Mandarin Gobies are generally peaceful and can be housed with a variety of other non-aggressive marine species. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, gobies, tangs, and other peaceful fish. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive species that may intimidate them or compete for food.

Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Green Mandarin Gobies are reef-safe and do not harm corals or invertebrates. Their peaceful nature and small size make them an excellent addition to reef aquariums. They often hide among the rockwork and corals, contributing to the biodiversity of the reef tank.

Max Size: Green Mandarin Gobies can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. Due to their specialized dietary needs and reclusive behavior, they require a well-established aquarium of at least 30 gallons to thrive and maintain good water quality.

Origin: Green Mandarin Gobies are commonly found in the Western Pacific region, particularly around the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Sexual Dimorphism: Green Mandarin Gobies exhibit slight sexual dimorphism, with males having a more elongated first dorsal spine compared to females.

Interesting Facts:

• Green Mandarin Gobies are known for their vibrant and intricate coloration, making them a favorite among marine aquarists.

• They are relatively hardy but require a well-established tank with a healthy population of live food to thrive.

• Green Mandarin Gobies are active foragers, often seen picking at the substrate and live rock in search of food.

• Their unique appearance and peaceful nature make them a visually captivating addition to any reef tank.

Disclaimer: Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.