Fin's Fish Guide
The Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The mandarinfish is a small dragonet (Callionymidae) from the western Pacific, famous for its exuberant colours: a green body with winding orange, blue and yellow lines. It inhabits shallow, sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs on silty bottoms with coral and rubble, where it scuttles along the bottom. It lacks scales; instead a thick, reportedly toxic and foul-smelling mucus layer protects it against predators and disease. It feeds on small crustaceans and invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mandarinfish?
The Mandarinfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Exuberantly green with winding colour lines; scaleless, with a protective poisonous mucus layer.
Where does the Mandarinfish live?
The Mandarinfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; sheltered lagoons and coastal reefs on silty bottoms.
How big does the Mandarinfish get?
The Mandarinfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Mandarinfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mandarinfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mandarinfish edible?
The Mandarinfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Synchiropus
More from the family Callionymidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mandarinfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.