Red Mandarin

General information

The head and body of the Red Mandarin Dragonet are a mazelike combination of blue, orange, and red. Males may be distinguished from females by their extra-elongated first dorsal spine. Unlike the green mandarin, this red variant has much wider and more pronounced red stripes and red pectoral fins. It should be kept in an aquarium with plenty of live rock, live sand, and hiding places. It is moderately hardy in mature reef aquariums if given special care. It is not overly aggressive towards other fish, except for conspecifics.