Image © Cindy Abgarian

MANDARINFISH
Synchiropus splendidus

Mandarinfish are neither gobie nor blenny, but rather are members of the Dragonet family. These small fish congregate most frequently in the shallow rubble areas of the Pacific oceans. Their name,  derived by those robes worn by the Mandarin Chinese, evokes visions of blues, red, greens and oranges in such bold hues and patterns  that Peter Max himself would be left craving.  Although fairly common, they are rarely seen by divers due to their bottom dwelling nature, and their small size - only up to 6cm in length. Their diet consists of small invertebrates and crustaceans. Larger males are far more successful at courtship, with females choosing to mate reluctantly with those smaller in stature.

 

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