Dragonettes

Dragonettes

Another popular pick among marine fishes are Dragonettes or Mandarinfish. Fresh Marine offers a couple of beautiful Dragonettes in vibrant colors, to grace your aquarium. However, prior to delving into specific models, let us understand the following standards common to Dragonettes.

Compatibility. Dragonettes are Peaceful beings and are well compatible with the other peaceful tank mates. Dragonettes are however, moderately aggressive towards the same gender members of their own species.

Habit & Habitat. Dragonettes exist in all parts of the world and inhabit Shallow water regions. Coral Reefs and Rubble Areas on Sand Beds. Dragonettes secrete a toxic Slime, which helps them defend themselves from predators.

Morphology. Dragonettes are moderately hardy creatures and have a multicolored, scale less, cylindrical body.

Ideal Marine Aquarium Environment. Dragonettes grow well in an already well-established, large sized aquarium with very high water quality. The aquarium water should be regularly cleaned. Be vigilant that your aquarium water has a temperature range of 72-78°F; the Specific Gravity of 1.020-1.025; and the pH level of water within 8.1-8.4. Ensure that your tank has ample Live Rocks for Dragonettes’ preys, small Crustaceans, to live on. In addition, these aquariums have live substrate.

Aquarium Feeding. Dragonettes are Omnivorous and they continuously need to feed especially on Amphipods, Copepods, and the likes. If in mood, they may also try out Mysis and Brine Shrimps. Therefore, they sustain well in an aquarium with Live Rocks, which have ample small Crustaceans dwelling on them for consumption

Aquarium Breeding. Aquarium Breeding of Dragonettes is very difficult.

Care. Owing to their atypical dietary requirements, Dragonettes are very difficult to maintain and should be handled very gently. Dragonettes lack protective Scales on their body, which makes them vulnerable to heavy metals poisoning, especially from that of Copper.

Let us now look at the couple of Dragonettes options from the Family Callionymidae, available at Fresh Marine.

Green Mandarin Goby (Pterosynchiropus splendidus). Also known as Striped Mandarin Fish, Psychedelic Fish, these beautiful Dragonettes are usually available as Green Mandarin Male with more pronounced Dorsal Fin than their female counterparts. The body of these Dragonettes has a maze like blend of Blue, Orange, and Green colors. Growing up to 2.5”, these Dragonettes require an aquarium of minimum 20 Gallons capacity.

Spotted Mandarin Goby Fish (Synchiropus picturatus). Also known as Dragonet Yellow Target Mandarin Fish, Psychedelic Mandarinfish, and Picture Dragonet, the body of these Dragonettes has a subtle blend of Blue, Orange, and Black spots on a Green base. Growing up to a maximum of 5”, these Dragonettes require a minimum tank size of 30 Gallons. Do not keep Dragonettes in a tank having Anemones as well, as the later may feed upon the former.

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