Picturesque dragonet
A slime-coated, blue-pigmented dragonet from the Indo-West Pacific.
The picturesque dragonet (Synchiropus picturatus) belongs to the dragonet family Callionymidae and is a brightly colored marine fish with rayed fins. Its natural range covers the Indo-West Pacific, including the Philippines, eastern Indonesia, and northwest Australia. In the aquarium trade—where it sometimes appears—it goes by the names spotted mandarin, psychedelic mandarin, or target mandarin.
This species reaches a maximum length of 7 cm (2.8 in). A thick slime layer coats its skin, which blocks many parasitic infections and lowers the chance of disease after stress or injury. The slime also seems to protect the fish from more aggressive tank mates. Along with its close relative the mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus), the picturesque dragonet is one of only two vertebrates whose blue coloration comes from cellular pigment. In every other known case, blue results from thin-film interference caused by stacks of flat, thin purine crystals that reflect light.
In an aquarium, the picturesque dragonet poses no danger to humans and gets along peacefully with other species. Keepers should maintain a water temperature between 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and a pH level of 8.2–8.4.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Synchiropus picturatus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The picturesque dragonet is one of only two vertebrates known to have blue coloring because of cellular pigment, the other being the mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus), a closely related species. In all other known cases, the color blue comes from thin-film interference from piles of flat, thin and reflecting purine crystals. The skin of the picturesque dragonet is covered by a thick layer of slime, which inhibits many types of parasitic infection and minimizes the risk of disease following stress or physical trauma. It also seems to help the fish from more aggressive fish.
Reader's Guide
The picturesque dragonet is notable for its unique blue pigmentation, a rare trait among vertebrates shared only with its relative the mandarinfish. Its thick slime coat provides protection against parasites and disease, and may deter aggression from other fish. In the aquarium trade, it is known by several common names and is considered harmless to humans, coexisting peacefully with other species. For those keeping it in captivity, the recommended tank temperature is 24–28 °C and pH level of 8.2-8.4. Its native range spans the Philippines, eastern Indonesia, and northwest Australia, and it occasionally enters the aquarium trade. The species grows to a maximum length of 7 cm (2.8 in).
Did You Know?
- Its skin is covered by a thick layer of slime that inhibits parasitic infection and reduces disease risk.
- It is also called the spotted mandarin, psychedelic mandarin, or target mandarin in the aquarium trade.
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