Psychedelic Mandarin (Synchiropus picturatus)
A mesmerising reef fish with vibrant, swirling colours and a unique grazing behaviour
The Psychedelic Mandarin is one of the most visually stunning fish in the hobby, featuring an incredible mix of electric blues, greens, oranges, and intricate maze-like patterns across its body. It spends its time slowly cruising over rockwork and substrate, constantly hunting for tiny live foods, making it just as fascinating to watch as it is colourful.
This species thrives in mature reef aquariums with plenty of live rock and a well-established population of copepods. As natural grazers, they feed continuously throughout the day, so a stable, food-rich environment is essential for long-term success. While some individuals may accept frozen foods, they are best kept in systems that can naturally sustain them.
Completely reef safe and very peaceful, the Psychedelic Mandarin is ideal for calm community setups with other non-aggressive fish. Due to their specialised feeding requirements, they are best suited to more experienced aquarists with established systems.
Need to Know:
Recommended For: Intermediate to advanced aquarists with established reef tanks
Minimum Tank Size: 100 litres
Temperature Range: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Recommended School Size: Best kept singly or as a pair in larger systems
Compatibility: Very peaceful; best with non-aggressive tank mates
Max Size: 7–8 cm
