ORA Red Mandarin Dragonet Captive-Bred for Sale
The ORA Red Mandarin Dragonet Captive-Bred brings the vibrant beauty of the reef into your aquarium with greater ease and higher success rates than wild-caught mandarins. Bred by Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums (ORA), this brilliant red and turquoise fish is both peaceful and hardy, ideal for aquarists seeking color, sustainability, and reliability. Unlike wild specimens that refuse prepared foods, the captive-bred ORA Mandarin adapts quickly to frozen and pellet diets, simplifying feeding. These fish thrive in mature reef systems where copepods are abundant, rewarding consistent care with vivid color and graceful motion. Limited seasonal supply and strong demand make them a top choice for responsible aquarists who prefer captive-bred quality backed by ORA’s aquaculture leadership.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Synchiropus splendidus |
| Family | Callionymidae |
| Origin | Captive-bred, USA (ORA Facility) |
| Maximum Size | 3 inches |
| Purchase Size | Up to 1 inch |
| Lifespan | Up to 10 years |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Diet | Carnivore; prepared and live foods |
| Temperature | 75–80°F |
| pH Range | 7.7–8.5 |
| Salinity | 1.020–1.026 |
Appearance
The ORA Red Mandarin Dragonet shows a striking red body with blue and turquoise lines across its fins and face. Males develop an elongated dorsal fin, while females have smaller, rounded fins. Color remains bright with a nutrient-rich diet and stable tank parameters.
Care & Requirements
Captive-bred mandarins are easier to maintain than wild-caught ones but still require a mature, stable reef tank. A 30-gallon aquarium with live rock and sand supports copepod growth and provides hiding spaces. Use gentle filtration and avoid copper, as mandarins are sensitive to metals.
Feed 3–4 small meals daily using a pipette or feeding dish to ensure they eat adequately. Offer frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, finely chopped bloodworms, or prepared foods like Nutramar Ova and New Life Spectrum pellets. A refugium is highly recommended to maintain a steady copepod population for long-term nutrition.
How often should I feed my ORA Red Mandarin Dragonet?
Feed 3–4 times daily in small portions to support their fast metabolism.
Do they eat pellets right away?
Most adapt to pellets after initial feedings with frozen or live foods.
Is a refugium required?
Not required but beneficial for maintaining natural live food sources.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
The ORA Red Mandarin Dragonet is peaceful and reef-safe, coexisting well with gentle species like clownfish, gobies, and cardinalfish. Avoid aggressive or fast-feeding fish that may outcompete them for food. In smaller aquariums, it is best to keep one male or a bonded pair.
Can I keep two mandarins together?
Only if they are a bonded pair or in a large tank to prevent male aggression.
Are mandarins coral-safe?
Yes, they are entirely reef-safe and harmless to corals.
Which fish should I avoid pairing with them?
Avoid wrasses, dottybacks, or large angelfish that eat faster and compete for food.
Aquaculture/Availability
ORA’s breeding program ensures that Red Mandarin Dragonets are hardy, sustainable, and aquarium-adapted. These captive-bred fish reduce the need for wild collection while offering better survival and feeding success.
ORA Red Mandarins are typically available year-round, with occasional seasonal limitations based on breeding cycles.
Are these fish wild-caught?
No, they are captive-bred entirely in controlled aquaculture environments.
Are captive-bred mandarins hardier than wild ones?
Yes, they adapt better to aquariums and resist disease more effectively.
Why choose captive-bred?
Captive-bred fish reduce reef harvesting and have higher feeding success in home tanks.
Why Buy From Oceansgarden.com
- Captive-Bred & Sustainable: Many of our fish and invertebrates are captive-bred or sustainably sourced to promote healthy reef ecosystems.
- Expert Care Before Shipping: Every animal is maintained under professional aquarium standards for health, diet, and water quality.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind each shipment with a Live Arrival Guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Fast, Reliable Shipping: Orders are packed with proven methods and shipped overnight to ensure safe arrival.
- Transparent Policies: Clear shipping, refund, and guarantee information available on every order page.
- Trusted by Hobbyists: Backed by years of experience and thousands of satisfied marine aquarium keepers across the U.S.
FAQ
How big do ORA Red Mandarin Dragonets get?
They grow up to 3 inches, with males slightly larger due to their elongated dorsal fins.
What is the best tank setup for this species?
Use a 30-gallon or larger reef tank with live rock and sand that has been established for at least six months to maintain copepod populations.
Can they live on pellets alone?
They will accept pellets and frozen foods but should also have access to live copepods for ideal health and coloration.
Do ORA Red Mandarins jump?
They rarely jump, but using a lid is still recommended.
How can I tell if mine is getting enough food?
A healthy fish has a full, rounded belly. A sunken belly means it needs more frequent feeding or additional live food.
Are mandarins sensitive to medication?
Yes, avoid copper-based treatments and use reef-safe medications only.
What are the ideal water parameters?
Keep temperature at 75–80°F, pH 7.7–8.5, and salinity 1.020–1.026 with low nitrates.
Can they live with shrimp and snails?
Yes, they are fully compatible with reef-safe invertebrates.
How long do they live in captivity?
With proper care and consistent feeding, they can live up to 10 years.
Are they good for beginners?
They are suitable for intermediate aquarists familiar with reef maintenance and regular feeding routines.
| size | up to 1 inch |
|---|
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