Description
Syö pakasteruokaa! Spotted Mandarin — Synchiropus picturatus Specialist micro-predator. Highest risk is starvation without abundant pods. Quick facts Size: 6–8 cm Temperament: Peaceful Reef-safe: Yes Minimum tank: 120+ l with strong pod production Lifespan: 5–10 years if properly fed Aquarium requirements Mature system: 9–12+ months, heavy live rock with porous surfaces. Refugium/pod culture: Strongly recommended (chaeto refugium, pod “hotels”). Water: pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, temp 24–26 °C; NH3/NO2 0, NO3 <15 ppm. Flow: Low–moderate; many grazing zones. Cover: Advisable. Diet Primary: Continuous live copepods and amphipods. Supplements: Enriched baby brine, Calanus, fish roe, finely chopped mysis. Many refuse prepared foods. Captive-bred: Often accept frozen/micro-pellets; strongly preferred. Strategy: Seed pods routinely, run refugium, target-feed at rockwork with a baster or feeding station. Behavior and compatibility Keeping: One per tank unless a true pair in a large, pod-rich system. Tankmates: Peaceful species only; avoid pod competitors like sixlines/leopard wrasses and boisterous fish. Activity: Constant grazer; low bioload if food is adequate. Acclimation and health Quarantine: Observational or TTM only; avoid copper. Disease: Thick slime coat reduces, not eliminates, ich susceptibility. Condition: Choose individuals with rounded bellies and active pecking. Identification notes Psychedelic green base with blue/orange ringed spots; males have longer first dorsal filament. Often sold as “Psychedelic/Spotted Mandarin.” Buyer’s checklist Prefer captive-bred, visibly eating frozen or micro-pellets. Verify your system’s pod production before purchase. Avoid if pinched belly or lethargic.
