#callionymidae

A spawning pair of mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) in Bagalangit, Calabarzon, Philippines

Mandarinfish or Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus), mating, family Callionymidae, order Callionymiformes, Anilao, Philippines

Poisonous.

Phaeton Dragonet Synchiropus phaeton

A fish from the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Its habitat consists of muddy and sandy bottoms where it feeds on small bottom invertebrates like worms, snails and crustaceans.

MANDARINFISH Synchiropus splendidus ©fenkieandreas / Getty Images

Mandarin dragonet, is a small, brightly colored member of the dragonet family, which is popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. The mandarinfish is native to the Pacific, ranging approximately from the Ryukyu Islands south to Australia.

Mandarin fish couples have an elaborate courtship ritual that involves them dancing closely to one another. It's almost cheek to cheek, as they rise slowly through the water. video here

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Red Mandarinfish

Spotted Mandarinfish

Mandarinfish or Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus), family Callionymidae, order Callionymiformes, Pacific Ocean

Poisonous.

Mandarinfish or Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus), family Callionymidae, order Callionymiformes, found in warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean

Poisonous.