Mandarin Goby

Mandarin Goby

Description of the Mandarin Goby
The Mandarin Goby is a a member of the dragonet family. It is a very popular saltwater aquarium fish and makes a beautiful addition to the saltwater aquarium. The Mandarin is not recommended for the beginner as they are fussy eaters and tend to only eat live food!

Profile of the Mandarin Goby
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Mandarin Goby species.

• Size: Up to 6cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.0 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Live food including Worms, Gastropods

• Habitat: Reef Dwellers at depths of up to 18m

• Behaviour: Shy fish, like to hide in planting and among rocks, needs to be housed with other peaceful fish

• Range: Western Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Mandarin Goby
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Synchiropus splendidus

• Popular Name: Mandarin Goby

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Callionymidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Mandarin Goby?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Mandarin Goby slimy?
Mandarin Goby secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Mandarin Goby to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Mandarin Goby have gills?
Gills enable the Mandarin Goby to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Mandarin Goby have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Mandarin Goby has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Mandarin Goby has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Mandarin Goby has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Mandarin Goby has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Mandarin Goby