#mandarin fish

Undyne as different fish 🐟🫧 reminder that my COMMISIONS are open!

Mandarin fish (Synchiropus splendidus)

Habitat & Distribution

Resides almost exclusively in coral reefs and shallow lagoons

They are native to the western Pacific, including reefs around the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, New Guinea, and Australia

Physical Description

Length: Up to 6 cm (2.36 in)

Mandarin fish have broad heads and large, round fins; the dorsal fin sports a long spike at the base of the neck

Adults are covered in patterns of gold, green, and bright blue

Behaviour

Mandarin fish tend to crawl along the bottom of the ocean using their large pelvic fins

They stay in pairs or small groups, although males are intolerant of rivals

Their main diet consists of small crustaceans, worms, and plankton

Key Advantages

The skin of the mandarin fish secrets a foul-smelling mucus, which can deter predators

Their bright coloration is to warn predators that they are toxic and should be avoided

The sharp spine on their backs may also damage the mouths of predators that do attempt to eat them

Click on the link to buy this sticker from Redbubble or to see other products with this Spotted Mandarin fish:

mandarinfish are native to the pacific, from the ryuku islands down to south australia

they grow up to 3 inches long on average!

these fish do not actually have scales! they secrete mucus from their skin, which keeps them clean

mandarinfish are very sky and often avoid other fish

the name of this fish comes from the vibrant patterns, which resemble the robes of an imperial chinese officer!