Glossary:
The Mandarin goby, or Pterosynchiropus splendidus), is a popular fish among saltwater aquarists, but it’s best for more advanced hobbyists for certain reasons. It’s a colorful fish that’s sure to be pleasing to the eye, but there are some things you should understand about this particular species if you want to include it in your tank.
The following guide to the Mandarin goby will help you determine whether this species is worth adding to your saltwater aquarium.
Not only are Mandarin gobies reef-safe, but they tend to thrive best in a reef tank. As a member of a peaceful species, your Mandarin goby won’t go after your tank’s coral or invertebrates beyond the copepods you feed them.
The Mandarin goby’s diet is carnivorous but varied. This species prefers copepods over other foods, but it’s also possible to feed this fish various amphipods, polychaete worms, ostracods, artemia (live baby brine shrimp), or frozen Mysis or brine shrimp.
Your Mandarin goby should have a tank that’s at least 50 gallons or bigger. Additionally, you should have a one- to five-gallon refugium and a minimum of 50 pounds of live rock.
Mandarin gobies reach around three inches in length when fully grown, with Mandarin gobies taking approximately 14 months to reach sexual maturity.
One of the challenges that come with caring for Mandarin gobies is their feeding habit. They like eating copepods more than anything else, which are small crustaceans. The main reason for this is that it can be hard to maintain a sufficient number of copepods to keep Mandarin gobies alive.
The price of a Mandarin goby will depend on the specific colors, size, and other factors, but they’re a relatively affordable saltwater fish that shouldn’t cost much to add to your tank. On average, you’ll find this species on the market for around $30 to $40, but some places will sell them for much higher.
The following are some interesting facts you may not have known about the Mandarin goby:
Mandarin gobies get along well with other fish and won’t likely cause any problems for them. However, they can get a bit aggressive with members of their own species, particularly when you have two or more males in a tank. You can prevent this by giving them plenty of space or keeping a breeding pair instead.
Otherwise, you can keep this fish with many others, such as:
Conversely, you should keep the Mandarin goby away from larger potentially predatory fish, and they won’t do well with species that are more aggressive and competitive.
You can find the Mandarin goby at many stores both online and in person. Some online stores selling this species include the following:
The Mandarin goby can make a great addition to a saltwater tank, but it’s best to keep in mind the challenge you face when feeding this fish. If you can keep up with its specific needs, you’ll find this fish to provide plenty of appeal and entertainment.