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Mandarin Goby

Synchiropus splendidus

Mandarin Goby

Synchiropus splendidus
Other Common Names
Mandarinfish, Mandarin Dragonet
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Mandarinfish, Mandarin Dragonet

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The mandarin goby is orange with curved green or blue stripes outlined in black. Its fins have deep blue edges. Males have a longer first ray than females. The mandarin goby can grow to a length of 9 cm.

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs from depths of 1-20 m.

Diet

Small crustaceans (called copepods)

Life History

Males court females by performing a dance with extended fins and a stop-start motion. Female mandarin gobies spawn once per night or over several days. Spawning occurs at dusk, when a mating pair swims to the surface and releases sperm and eggs. Females produce between 12-205 eggs. Fertilized eggs float and are carried by ocean currents. After hatching, larvae develop into juveniles who settle on reefs and stay in a small area for at least one month.

The mandarin goby has few natural predators and can live for 10-15 years.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Contributes to the diversity and resilience of coral reef ecosystems.
Range
Distributed in the tropical western Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands of Japan to the Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Australia, Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
The skin of the mandarin goby is scaleless and covered with mucus that protects it from parasites and predators.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Sadovy de Mitcheson, Y. J., G. R. Mitcheson, and M. B. Rasotto. 2022. Mating system in a small pelagic spawner: field case study of the mandarinfish, Synchiropus splendidus. Environmental Biology of Fishes 105:699–716.
  • Taquet, M., and A. Diringer. 2012. Fishes of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Quae, Versailles, France.
  • Carpenter, K.E. & Robertson, R. 2019. Synchiropus splendidus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019.
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    About Oregon Coast Aquarium

    Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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