Spotted Mandarin - Synchiropus picturatus

 

The Spotted Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus), also known as the Target Mandarin, is a vibrant and stunning fish species, known for its unique appearance and striking coloration. It’s a popular choice for reef tanks due to its beautiful patterns and peaceful nature, but it requires specific care conditions to thrive.

Description:

• Common Name: Spotted Mandarin, Mandarin Dragonet

• Scientific Name: Synchiropus picturatus

• Family: Callionymidae

• Size: Typically grows to about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length.

• Coloration: The Spotted Mandarin features a mesmerizing array of blue, green, and orange patterns on its body, with spots scattered across its fins and body. These vibrant markings give it a target-like appearance, with iridescent, eye-catching hues.

• Lifespan: The Spotted Mandarin can live for up to 5 years or more in a well-maintained aquarium.

Native Region:

The Spotted Mandarin is native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically around the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. It inhabits shallow coral reefs, rocky crevices, and sand flats in areas where it can find abundant food sources such as copepods and small invertebrates.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended, although a larger tank with ample live rock and sand is ideal to provide enough food and hiding places.

• Aquascaping: Live rock, rubble, and sandy substrate are essential for creating the natural environment this species needs. Provide plenty of hiding spots and rock structures to mimic its natural habitat.

• Water Flow: The Spotted Mandarin prefers low to moderate water flow. A gentle current allows it to forage comfortably without being swept away.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity

• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

• Nitrate: Below 10 ppm

• Phosphate: Below 0.03 ppm

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. The Spotted Mandarin is best suited for experienced aquarists due to its specific feeding requirements. It does not adapt well to prepared foods and relies heavily on live food sources, such as copepods, which must be present in the tank in sufficient quantities.

• Diet: The Spotted Mandarin primarily feeds on copepods, amphipods, and small invertebrates. It is not carnivorous in the traditional sense, as it feeds on these tiny organisms rather than large chunks of food. In captivity, it may need supplemental feeding of live or cultured copepods, and some aquarists use refugiums or copepod cultures to ensure a steady supply.

• Behavior: This species is generally peaceful, often seen grazing across rocks and the sand, hunting for small invertebrates. It is not aggressive and can be kept with other peaceful reef species.

• Activity Level: Moderate. The Spotted Mandarin spends most of its time foraging, moving slowly and methodically across the substrate and rocks. It may also perch on rocks or sand when resting.

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-Safe: Yes, the Spotted Mandarin is considered reef-safe. It does not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates and is not known to bother other tank inhabitants.

• Tank Mates: The Spotted Mandarin is a peaceful species and does well in a community tank with other non-aggressive fish, invertebrates, and reef species. It should be kept with other peaceful fish such as small wrasses or gobies and avoided with large or aggressive fish.

• Avoid: Avoid keeping the Spotted Mandarin with predatory fish that may consider it food, as well as with larger, more aggressive species.

Tank Maintenance:

• Feeding: Since the Spotted Mandarin feeds on copepods, it is important to ensure the tank is able to sustain a population of these organisms. In a well-established reef tank, they may find enough food naturally, but in newer setups, supplementary feeding (such as adding live copepods) may be required. Some aquarists set up a refugium to culture copepods and ensure a continuous supply.

• Water Quality: The Spotted Mandarin is sensitive to water quality and should be kept in a stable and well-maintained aquarium. It thrives in a tank with established live rock, which provides both hiding spots and a habitat for the tiny organisms it feeds on. Regular water changes and high-quality filtration are essential.

Breeding:

Breeding the Spotted Mandarin in captivity is extremely rare, but it can happen in well-maintained reef tanks. Breeding involves external fertilization, where the male and female will release sperm and eggs into the water column. However, due to their specific environmental needs and small reproductive window, breeding is not often successful in home aquariums.

Additional Tips:

• Acclimation: Proper acclimation is essential when introducing the Spotted Mandarin to a new tank. Use a slow drip acclimation method to reduce stress and allow the fish to adjust to the water parameters of the aquarium.

• Copepod Cultures: If your tank does not already have a stable population of copepods, consider adding them through live cultures or setting up a refugium to maintain a constant food supply for the Mandarin.