Green Mandarin Dragonet

The Green Mandarin Dragonet is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking fish in the saltwater hobby — and for good reason. Its psychedelic swirls of electric blue, emerald green, orange, and gold are unlike anything else in the ocean. Watching a Mandarin glide through the rockwork of a mature reef is a mesmerizing experience that never gets old. Beyond its extraordinary beauty, the Mandarin is a fascinating fish with a calm, unhurried temperament that makes it a peaceful resident in the right system.

Care Notes:

• Tank size: 30+ gallons, heavily stocked with live rock in a mature reef (12+ months established)
• Reef-safe: yes — completely safe with corals and invertebrates
• Diet: primarily feeds on live copepods and amphipods; a thriving copepod population is essential — supplement with a refugium and regular copepod additions
• Some individuals can be trained to accept frozen copepods or small frozen mysis; look for aquacultured specimens trained on prepared foods when possible
• Peaceful and slow-moving; do not house with aggressive or fast-eating tankmates that will outcompete it for food
• Best kept singly or as a confirmed male-female pair in larger systems
• One of the most rewarding fish to keep for experienced reef hobbyists