General
Mandarins are extremely beautiful bottom dwelling fish that are also unfortunately difficult fish to keep alive. They will usually only eat live food and tend to waste away and die in most marine tanks in six months. They are best left for expert aquarists. They will not tolerate metal based or dye type medications.

Feeding/Diet
They will usually only eat live foods like copepods and amphipods. A refugium would be an excellent source of consistent live food for these very demanding fish.

Compatibility
Mandarins are usually very peaceful fish, but are sometimes quarrelsome between two males. They cannot be kept with other fish that would out compete them for food.  Blennies, clownfish, gobies, tangs, and small wrasses would be acceptable if the tank conditions are appropriate.

Habitat
Mandarins should have a large (150 gallons or more) fully established (over one year old) reef tank. This is the only environment where they have a chance of finding enough food to sustain themselves.

Expert Care
Spotted Mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus)
Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus)