{"title":"Dragonets","description":"\u003cp\u003eMandarins are among the most beautiful fish in the hobby and among the easiest to lose. We stock the green mandarin, spotted mandarin, ruby red dragonet and red scooter dragonet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe issue is feeding. Dragonets pick at copepods and amphipods across the rockwork all day and most will not take prepared food. They need a mature reef tank, generally at least six months old, with plenty of live rock and a self sustaining pod population, or a specimen already proven to eat frozen food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are entirely reef safe, slow moving and peaceful, and they do not compete well with fast feeders. If your tank is new, this is a fish to come back to later. Ask us about feeding status before ordering. See \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-delivery\"\u003eshipping and delivery\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"red-scooter-dragonet","title":"Red Scooter Dragonet | Synchiropus stellatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Red Scooter Dragonet (Synchiropus stellatus), also called the Starry Dragonet, is a charming, bottom-dwelling little fish that hops and scoots across the substrate hunting tiny prey. It is peaceful and reef safe, but like its mandarin relatives it is a specialised feeder best suited to a mature tank. It reaches around 7 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSynchiropus stellatus is found across the Indo-Pacific on sheltered reefs and rubble zones, where it forages continuously over rock and sand for copepods and other micro-crustaceans. In the aquarium it needs a mature system with plenty of live rock and a productive pod population.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA small, camouflaged dragonet mottled in red, brown and cream that lets it blend into rock and rubble. Males have a taller, more colourful first dorsal fin. Though understated at a glance, it is full of character as it perches and hops about the reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery peaceful and reef safe, spending its time on the bottom out of the way of most fish. Males can be territorial with one another, so keep only one male per tank unless it is large. Avoid housing it with aggressive or fast-feeding fish that will outcompete it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is the key challenge. It feeds on live copepods and amphipods and can be reluctant to accept prepared foods. Keep it only in an aquarium at least six months mature, ideally with a refugium, and top up live pods regularly. Many will in time take frozen enriched brine, mysis and cyclops, but a food-poor tank will slowly starve it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of 115 L, with 150 L or larger recommended, and only in a well-established tank with a productive sand bed and rockwork. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity 1.023–1.025. Gentle to moderate flow and stable water suit it well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding is uncommon in home aquariums. Dragonets are pelagic spawners, rising in the water column to release eggs, and the tiny larvae need specialised live-food culture. Captive breeding is done commercially rather than at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynchiropus stellatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Scooter Dragonet (Starry Dragonet)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–5 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced (difficult feeder)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e115 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 L or larger, mature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; live copepods and amphipods, often weaned onto frozen enriched brine, mysis and cyclops\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.023–1.025\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature, peaceful reef aquariums with a healthy pod population\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe; will not harm corals or clams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include clownfish, small peaceful gobies, cardinalfish, fairy wrasses and other gentle reef species that will not compete heavily for pods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with aggressive or fast-feeding fish, other dragonets or pod-hungry species in smaller tanks, and any predator large enough to eat it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234118844707,"sku":"AA2958-S","price":110.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234118877475,"sku":"AA2958","price":129.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562739974435,"sku":"AA2958-S-CB","price":110.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562740007203,"sku":"AA2958-M-CB","price":129.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/red-scooter-dragonet-43090647449891.webp?v=1790305593"},{"product_id":"green-mandarin","title":"Green Mandarin | Synchiropus splendidus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Green Mandarin, or Mandarin Dragonet, is one of the most spectacular fish in the marine hobby - a small, slow-moving jewel painted in swirling green, orange and electric-blue patterns that look almost hand-drawn. Reaching around 8 cm, it hops and hovers across the rockwork on fan-like pelvic fins, endlessly hunting tiny prey. It is peaceful, reef safe and utterly captivating, but it comes with one serious catch: it is a specialised feeder that needs a mature tank teeming with live copepods to survive, which makes it an expert-level fish despite its calm nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSynchiropus splendidus is found across the Western Pacific on sheltered coral reefs and lagoons, where it spends the day picking copepods, amphipods and other tiny invertebrates from the sand, rubble and rock. It is a bottom-dweller that moves slowly and deliberately, relying on camouflage and a foul-tasting, toxic skin mucus rather than speed to avoid predators. In the aquarium it needs an established reef of at least six months to a year, with abundant live rock and a thriving, self-sustaining population of pods to graze on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is elongate with a broad, flat-bottomed profile and large, high-set eyes. The base colour is a rich blue-green overlaid with wavy orange and blue lines and mottling, unlike any other reef fish. Males are larger and develop a tall, elongated first dorsal spine, while females are slightly smaller with a rounder profile. The skin lacks scales and instead carries a thick, bitter mucus that deters predators. Healthy specimens are alert, actively pecking at the rock and substrate, with a rounded, well-filled belly - a sunken stomach signals a fish that is not finding enough to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is peaceful. The Green Mandarin poses no threat to any tankmate, coral or invertebrate, and is completely reef safe. Its main challenge is competition for food: in a busy tank, faster fish quickly hoover up the pods and prepared foods it depends on. It is best kept in a calm reef where it is not outcompeted. Only one male should be kept per tank, as males will fight, though a male and female may be kept together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeeding is the defining challenge of this species. Most individuals will not readily accept prepared foods and instead require a constant supply of live copepods and amphipods to survive. This means a mature aquarium with plenty of live rock and, ideally, a refugium continuously producing pods, plus regular top-ups of cultured copepods. Some specimens, especially captive-bred ones, can be trained onto frozen or prepared foods, which greatly improves the odds - but a wild-caught mandarin in a young or small tank is very likely to slowly starve. Never house one in a tank that cannot sustain its live-food needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum aquarium of around 110 L that is well established and rich in live rock, so it can support a productive pod population; larger and more mature is always better. Maintain temperature at 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4 and salinity around 1.020-1.026. Gentle to moderate flow and stable, well-aged water conditions suit it best. A refugium is strongly recommended to keep replenishing the microfauna the fish depends on. Because of its extreme feeding requirements, the Green Mandarin is best reserved for patient, experienced keepers with a suitably mature system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMandarins are among the more frequently spawned marine fish in home aquaria. A settled pair performs a beautiful evening courtship, rising together in the water column to release eggs and sperm at the peak of the ascent. The tiny pelagic larvae are extremely difficult to rear and require dedicated, carefully managed systems and live foods, so while spawning is often seen, raising the young is the domain of specialist breeders. Captive-bred mandarins are increasingly available and are a far better choice, as they accept prepared foods more readily.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynchiropus splendidus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen Mandarin (Mandarin Dragonet \/ Mandarinfish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWestern Pacific sheltered reefs and lagoons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-8 years with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpert\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 L (mature, pod-rich)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 L or larger with a refugium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; live copepods and amphipods, sometimes trained to frozen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1-8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020-1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature, pod-rich reef aquariums kept by experienced aquarists\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other peaceful, non-competitive reef fish such as clownfish, small gobies, firefish, cardinalfish, dwarf angels and calm wrasses, along with corals and ornamental invertebrates in a mature reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with fast, greedy feeders such as wrasses, anthias and damsels that will strip the tank of pods, as well as aggressive or predatory fish. Do not keep two male mandarins together.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234126872867,"sku":"AA1476","price":99.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234126905635,"sku":"AA1476-M-AU","price":99.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55522108244259,"sku":"AA1476-M-IMP","price":60.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562752065827,"sku":"AA1476-S-IMP","price":60.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562752098595,"sku":"AA1476-S-CB","price":99.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562752131363,"sku":"AA1476-M-CB","price":99.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/green-mandarin-43090647417123.webp?v=1790305845"},{"product_id":"spotted-mandarin","title":"Spotted Mandarin | Synchiropus picturatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Spotted Mandarin is one of the most beautiful of all reef fish, painted in green, blue and orange with striking dark-ringed spots across the body. Small and slow-moving, it hops and hovers over the rockwork, endlessly picking at tiny prey. As enchanting as it is, this is a specialist fish with demanding feeding needs, best suited to experienced keepers with a mature reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSynchiropus picturatus is found on Indo-Pacific reefs, particularly in sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs with rubble and rich live rock. It spends the day working over the substrate, hunting the copepods and other micro-crustaceans that make up its diet. In the aquarium it requires a well-established system, ideally at least six to twelve months old, with abundant live rock and live sand to sustain a constant supply of pods. Without this microfauna, the fish will slowly starve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is stout and scaleless, coated in a green base overlaid with blue-ringed dark spots and flashes of orange. Males carry a taller first dorsal fin than females. It moves in a distinctive hopping, hovering manner on fan-like pectoral fins. Reaching only around 7 cm, it is a small fish. Healthy specimens have full, rounded bellies rather than the pinched stomach that signals starvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a thoroughly peaceful, unaggressive fish that will not bother tank mates or corals. Its main challenge is competition for food, so it should never be kept with fast, greedy fish that will strip the tank of pods. Males will fight one another, so keep only one male, or a male-female pair, per tank. Calm, slow-feeding tank mates such as small gobies and firefish are ideal companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeeding is the crux of keeping this species and the reason it is rated expert-only. It naturally eats live copepods and amphipods almost constantly through the day, so a mature reef with a strong pod population, ideally supported by a refugium, is essential. Some individuals can be trained onto enriched frozen foods or live black worms, but many rely heavily on live pods. Ongoing pod supplementation is often necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of 110 L of mature reef, with 200 L or more recommended, and plenty of live rock and live sand. Maintain 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Water quality should be stable and clean, with gentle to moderate flow. The single most important requirement is an established system able to continuously replenish the tiny live foods this fish depends on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMandarins are among the more frequently spawned dragonets in aquaria, performing a graceful dusk courtship before releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. However, rearing the tiny pelagic larvae requires specialised culture of live foods and dedicated systems, so it remains a challenge for advanced breeders. For most keepers, well-fed, healthy fish are the realistic goal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynchiropus picturatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpotted Mandarin (Psychedelic Mandarin \/ Picturesque Dragonet)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific lagoons and inshore reefs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–7 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpert (specialist feeder)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 L (mature, pod-rich)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; live copepods and amphipods, some accept enriched frozen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature, pod-rich reef aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include small peaceful gobies, firefish, small clownfish, cardinalfish and other calm, slow-feeding reef fish that will not strip the tank of pods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with fast, greedy feeders such as wrasses and dottybacks that deplete the pod population, aggressive fish, and a second male mandarin in the same aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234131394851,"sku":"AA1330-S-IMP","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234131427619,"sku":"AA1330","price":89.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562750591267,"sku":"AA1330-S-CB","price":79.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562750624035,"sku":"AA1330-M-CB","price":89.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/spotted-mandarin-43090647580963.webp?v=1790305846"},{"product_id":"ruby-red-dragonet","title":"Ruby Red Dragonet | Synchiropus sycorax","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Ruby Red Dragonet is a jewel of a fish — a tiny, glowing red mandarin relative that hops and hovers across the rockwork picking at microfauna. Reaching only around 6–7 cm, it is peaceful and completely reef safe, but be honest with yourself about its needs: it is a specialised feeder that requires a mature tank rich in live copepods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA relatively recently described species from the reefs of the Philippines and surrounding western Pacific, where it lives among rubble and live rock, foraging over the substrate for tiny crustaceans.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA small, elongate dragonet in vivid ruby to blood-red, often with paler highlights, and the large fan-like fins and perched, deliberate movement typical of the group. Males carry a taller, more ornate first dorsal fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and shy. It is no threat to any tank mate and is best kept with equally calm fish that will not out-compete it for food. Keep only one male per tank, as males will squabble.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA micro-predator that feeds almost constantly on live copepods and amphipods. It needs an established reef with a healthy pod population, ideally supported by a refugium, and will often learn to take enriched frozen and, in time, some prepared foods. Many specimens slowly starve in tanks that cannot sustain live pods, so this is a fish for a mature system only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest in a mature reef of at least 110 litres with abundant live rock, live sand and a thriving pod population. Maintain 24–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity 1.020–1.026. Peaceful flow and stable water suit it well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragonets are pair-spawning, rising into the water column to release eggs. They have been bred in captivity by specialists, but rearing the tiny larvae is very difficult and not common.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynchiropus sycorax\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRuby Red Dragonet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWestern Pacific (Philippines)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–7 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–7 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres or larger (mature, pod-rich)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore (live copepods and amphipods)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–26 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature reef aquarium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful, non-competitive fish such as clownfish, small gobies, firefish, cardinalfish and calm fairy wrasses, in a pod-rich reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid aggressive or fast, greedy feeders such as large wrasses, dottybacks and hawkfish that will strip the pod population or out-compete it, and avoid anemones, which may catch and eat it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234136637731,"sku":"BA8157-S","price":95.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234136670499,"sku":"BA8157","price":110.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/ruby-red-dragonet-43090647482659-lv.webp?v=1790307725"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/Green_Mandarin_Synchiropus_splendidus_83444ee1-faa5-4bc9-8a03-3fa13deabf2d.jpg?v=1788252635","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/dragonets.oembed","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}