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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Natural Range: Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 59 ft. Size: 3 in. Jumps: No Space: 60+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Benthic crustaceans and bristle worms
Natural History: Mandarin Fish are found in small loose aggregations on sheltered reef habitats such as lagoons and inshore zones. It generally is seen on silty soft substrate among the coral and rubble.
Husbandry: Mandarin Fish are fairly slow moving and prefer live foods in the aquarium. Because of this they are difficult to acclimate to aquarium life and should only be introduced to a long-established aquarium with a healthy growth of copepods. Live rock, macroalgae, and a refugium help to produce the types of food they prefer. Their small mouths are only suited to feeding on small prey.
AKA: Green Mandarinfish