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Suggested Tank
30+ gallons
Max Size
4 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
The Green Mandarin, also known as the Striped Mandarinfish or Green Mandarinfish, is a small, brightly colored member of the dragonet family. It is known for its vibrant green coloration and distinctive blue stripes. These fish are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and peaceful nature.
Reef Safe
Yes, Green Mandarins are considered reef safe and can coexist with most coral and invertebrate species.
Environment
These fish prefer a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. They need a stable environment with low to moderate lighting and a moderate current.
Behavior
Green Mandarins are generally peaceful and somewhat shy. They are slow-moving and spend much of their time perched on rocks or coral. They are also known for their unique mating dance, which includes elaborate displays and movements.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews

Seppe
@Tres_Puntos
Only add this fish when tank is mature.
Eli Bartlett
@elijahquarium
So beautiful. I love this fish. It was a dream fish from the start. I dosed live pods for a few months before getting it, and continue to dose periodically. It can always be seen happily grazing the rocks and algae for pods :)

Dalton
@Dalton833
Favorite fish hands down, fun to watch. Make sure to seed your tank with pods prior. I have noticed him eating frozen food that will go to the bottom of the tank, smaller pieces obviously so make sure to get mixed frozen block or something of the sort if pods aren't always accessible over time
Brittney
@MalEficent
LOVE my green mandarin. Beautiful. He’s always working his way around the rock work picking off pods. Mine ONLY eats pods so words of caution: you will need to stock live foods. If in a smaller tank you will need to add supply regularly. The larger the tank and the more rocks you have the less often you have to stock pods as they will have more time to reproduce without being a snack.

klr
@klr369
Gorgeous fish!

Jared Bristol
@Stormriven
A very beautiful fish with a cryptic personality. They are a little tricky to care for as the require live copepods to feed on in the tank and rarely adapt to eating frozen foods/pellets. They don’t really interact with other fish or you when you approach the tank but rather just move across the rock looking for food, so they sometimes are very visible. Once the food requirement is met they are extremely easy to care for as they basically feed themselves.

Christian
@Christian27484
Unfortunately the only time ever buying one of these was from an LFS. It didn’t make the drive home. I’m not entirely sure what happened because I had driven straight home after buying it but I think it goes to show how sensitive these guys are and it will be a while before I take another chance on one.

Maurice
@Maurice
Stunning fish to see with colourful patterns on its body. Distinction between male and female is super easy. Would keep this fish in a bigger and mature (>1 year) tank next time. If the tank is not mature enough you should dose your tank once in a while with live copepods. This fish is always on the hunt for copepods.
Dave
@milld119
Difficult and picky eater but beautiful to look at. I’ve named mine Van Gogh since his patterns and colors remind me of A Starry Night.
Cooper O’Dell
@Cjodell8
Beautiful fish but can be difficult due to its diet

Savannah
@Sav
First fish I put into my tank, she is beautiful and so peaceful. Definitely 10/10 recommend having one of these guys in your tank. Not as personable but I’m sure as time goes on that will change!
Brittany
@BrittsReef
Sweetest little guy on the reef! Happily flits around the tank looking for food and always comes up to the glass to visit!

Hudsonvalleyreefing
@Hudsonvalleyreefing
They are one of the most beautiful fish out there ! Make sure you have a solid copepod population before you get one because they are voracious pod hunters.
Brittany
@Brittany24950
Would not recommend for a beginner or someone with a small tank. Researching the biology of these fish is super important with getting them to thrive. Beautiful but on the more difficult side to keep if not properly taken care of. Prepare to culture copepods or buy frequently to restock.
For Sale
Price History
Image | Title | Price | Company | Sold Date | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 30.00 | Live Aquaria | Apr 3, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 28.00 | Live Aquaria | Mar 30, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 30.00 | Live Aquaria | Mar 29, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin Dragonet
|
$ 34.00 | SaltwaterFish.com | Mar 28, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 52.00 | Candy Corals | Mar 27, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 30.00 | Live Aquaria | Mar 26, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Mar 25, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin Dragonet
|
$ 36.00 | SaltwaterFish.com | Mar 21, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 30.00 | Live Aquaria | Mar 18, 2025 | View |
|
Captive Bred Blue Mandarin Dragonet (~3/4”)
|
$ 100.00 | Fragbox Corals | Mar 17, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin - Philippines
|
$ 34.00 | World Wide Coral | Feb 25, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Feb 23, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin - Philippines
|
$ 34.00 | World Wide Coral | Jan 27, 2025 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Nov 26, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin Pair
|
$ 120.00 | Candy Corals | Nov 24, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Oct 10, 2024 | View |
|
Captive Bred Blue Mandarin Dragonet (~3/4”)
|
$ 100.00 | Fragbox Corals | Aug 25, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 48.00 | Candy Corals | Aug 16, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Aug 8, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Jun 4, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin Pair
|
$ 108.00 | Candy Corals | Jun 2, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | May 9, 2024 | View |
|
Green Mandarin
|
$ 65.00 | Candy Corals | Apr 1, 2024 | View |
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Green Mandarin
Synchiropus splendidus