Blue Mandarin

Scientific Name: Synchiropus splendidus
Family: Callionymidae
Origin: Western Pacific (Philippines, Indonesia, Australia)
Care Difficulty: Difficult
Temperament: Very peaceful
Diet: Micro-organisms (mainly copepods)
Minimum Tank Volume: 100–150 liters (mature system recommended)
Maximum Size: 6–8 cm
Temperature: 24–27°C
Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Reef Compatibility: Fully compatible

Synchiropus splendidus is one of the most colorful marine aquarium fish in the world. With its blue, orange, and green patterns, it has a "living mosaic" appearance.

However, due to its very specific dietary needs, it is suitable for advanced aquarists.

Diet

• Copepods (main diet)
• Amphipods
• Live microplankton
• Established "refugium" cultures
• Special frozen foods (if acclimated, difficult)

⚠️ Note: Most Mandarins only thrive in systems with established live copepod colonies.

Definitely not recommended for newly set up tanks