Synchiropus splendidus
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-18 meters
The mandarinfish is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, and Komodo offers some excellent opportunities to observe their mesmerising mating ritual at dusk. This tiny dragonet, rarely exceeding 6 centimetres, is adorned with psychedelic swirls of electric blue, orange, and green — colours produced not by pigments but by unique light-reflecting cells called chromatophores that are found in no other fish family. Mandarinfish are secretive daytime dwellers, hiding deep within the branches of dead coral rubble and Porites coral heads where they feed on tiny copepods and other microcrustaceans. The magic happens at twilight, when males emerge and perform an elaborate courtship dance, rising belly-to-belly with a receptive female in a brief spiralling ascent before releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously at the peak. This sunset mating dance is one of the most sought-after behavioural sightings in the diving world. Their skin produces a thick, foul-tasting mucous that protects them from parasites and deters most predators.
Average Size
4-5cm
Size Range
3-6cm
Maximum Size
6cm
Feeds on tiny copepods, amphipods, isopods, and other microcrustaceans found within dead coral rubble. A slow, deliberate feeder that picks off individual prey items from the substrate.
The mandarinfish is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, and Komodo offers some excellent opportunities to observe their mesmerising mating ritual at dusk. This tiny dragonet, rarely exceeding 6 centimetres, is adorned with psychedelic swirls of electric blue, orange, and green — colours produced not by pigments but by unique light-reflecting cells called chromatophores that are found in no other fish family. Mandarinfish are secretive daytime dwellers, hiding deep within the branches of dead coral rubble and Porites coral heads where they feed on tiny copepods and other microcrustaceans. The magic happens at twilight, when males emerge and perform an elaborate courtship dance, rising belly-to-belly with a receptive female in a brief spiralling ascent before releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously at the peak. This sunset mating dance is one of the most sought-after behavioural sightings in the diving world. Their skin produces a thick, foul-tasting mucous that protects them from parasites and deters most predators.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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The mating dance occurs at dusk, typically in the last 20 minutes before darkness. Your dive guide will time the dive to arrive at the known mating location just before sunset. It happens year-round.
Answer a few questions and our team will point you towards the perfect match!
It's free and takes 2 mins
