Mandarin Dragonet

Overview

The Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) is a Saltwater (Marine) fish growing to about 3 in and living 5–15 yrs. It's peaceful and best kept in a pair or small group. Plan a tank of at least Mature 30+ gal. With a typical lifespan of around 10 years, it's a medium-length commitment.

Is the Mandarin Dragonet right for you?

A good match if — you can keep water parameters stable.

Think twice if — this is your first tank — this species is demanding; you're not ready for the cost and complexity of saltwater; you wanted several of the same kind together.

What a Mandarin Dragonet needs from you

The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a marine fish, expect a more complex and more expensive saltwater set-up. Keep it singly, or it will fight its own kind. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about Mature 30+ gal).

Key facts

Water type

Saltwater (Marine)

Scientific name

Synchiropus splendidus

Adult size

3 in

Life span

5–15 yrs

Temperament

peaceful

Social needs

solo/pair

Min. tank

Mature 30+ gal

Care level

advanced

Notes

⚠ Specialist feeder — needs established copepod-rich tank

What it needs from you (at a glance)

What it costs

Scaled to this breed’s roughly 60 g and a ~10-year life, keeping a Mandarin Dragonet works out at about:

Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →

Temperament (at a glance)