Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Spotted Mandarin - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Spotted Mandarin at a glance
Adult size: 3 inches · Min tank/pond: 30 gallons · Difficulty: expert · Diet: copepod-eater · Lifespan: 2-4 years.
Spotted Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Demanding requirements - best for keepers with established mature systems.
Where Spotted Mandarin comes from
Spotted Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus) 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 Spotted Mandarin is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Spotted Mandarin tank size and setup
Spotted Mandarin requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 3 inches adult size and territorial range. For Spotted Mandarin, plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Spotted Mandarin
Spotted Mandarin 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 Spotted Mandarin eats
Spotted Mandarin 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.
Spotted Mandarin tankmates and compatibility
Spotted Mandarin is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Spotted Mandarin adult size and lifespan
Spotted Mandarin reaches 3 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 2-4 years with proper care.
Can you breed Spotted Mandarin?
Spotted Mandarin breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Spotted Mandarin diseases and problems
Spotted Mandarin is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Spotted Mandarin for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Spotted Mandarin online
Spotted Mandarin is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Spotted Mandarin 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.
Spotted Mandarin taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.