Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Green Mandarin Dragonet - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Green Mandarin Dragonet at a glance
Adult size: 3 inches · Min tank/pond: 30 gallons · Difficulty: expert · Diet: copepod-eater · Lifespan: 2-4 years.
Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Demanding requirements - best for keepers with established mature systems.
Where Green Mandarin Dragonet comes from
Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems. Wild populations distribute across coral reefs from East Africa through Indonesia, the Philippines, and into the western Pacific. Captive-bred Green Mandarin Dragonet is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Green Mandarin Dragonet tank size and setup
Green Mandarin Dragonet requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 3 inches adult size and territorial range. For Green Mandarin Dragonet, plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Green Mandarin Dragonet
Green Mandarin Dragonet requires standard reef parameters: temperature 76-80°F, specific gravity 1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 10 ppm. Use a refractometer (not hydrometer) to measure salinity.
What Green Mandarin Dragonet eats
Green Mandarin Dragonet is a copepod-eater. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Green Mandarin Dragonet tankmates and compatibility
Green Mandarin Dragonet is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Green Mandarin Dragonet adult size and lifespan
Green Mandarin Dragonet reaches 3 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 2-4 years with proper care.
Can you breed Green Mandarin Dragonet?
Green Mandarin Dragonet breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Green Mandarin Dragonet diseases and problems
Green Mandarin Dragonet is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Green Mandarin Dragonet for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Green Mandarin Dragonet online
Green Mandarin Dragonet is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Green Mandarin Dragonet from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Green Mandarin Dragonet taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.