Mandarin fish, botanically known as Synchiropus splendidus. The Mandarin fish is often called the “jewel of the sea” because of its bright and glowing body. It is very small, only about 6 to 8 cm long, but its beautiful blue, green, orange, and red colors make it stand out. These colors come from special skin pigments, not scales, and give the fish a velvet-like look.
This species is peaceful and does not harm other fish. That’s why aquarium owners love keeping it with other small, calm fish. It is also known as the Mandarin Dragonet and is native to coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean, especially near the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
Mandarin Fish: Natural Habitat and Lifestyle
Mandarin fish live in warm, shallow seawater, where coral reefs are full of tiny hiding spots. They are bottom-dwellers, which means they stay close to the seabed, hiding under rocks and corals. These fish are very shy and prefer a quiet environment.
They are slow swimmers and do not compete well with aggressive fish, so if kept in tanks, they must be placed with other gentle fish. They are active mostly during the evening hours.
Feeding Mandarin Fish the Right Way
Feeding is one of the biggest challenges in Mandarin fish farming. In the wild, they eat tiny live creatures called copepods and amphipods. In tanks, they need live food like brine shrimp or frozen mysis shrimp. Training them to eat pellets is possible but takes time.
To keep them healthy, it is best to use live rocks in the tank, which naturally grow copepods. This way, the fish can feed naturally without extra effort.
Setting Up the Right Tank Environment
Mandarin fish need a clean, stable marine tank with live rocks and hiding places. The water temperature should be kept between 24°C and 28°C. Salinity should stay between 1.020 and 1.025, and pH should be in the range of 8.1 to 8.4.
The tank must be mature, meaning it should be running for at least one month before adding fish. A mature tank develops good bacteria and live food, which helps the fish stay healthy.
Breeding Mandarin Fish
Mandarin fish can breed in captivity if kept in good conditions. They usually breed at dusk. The male and female swim up together in a spiral, releasing eggs and sperm in the water. The eggs hatch in 12 hours.
The baby fish are very tiny and invisible to the naked eye. They must be fed with micro-food like rotifers or phytoplankton. This stage is very delicate and needs expert care, but with practice, farmers can learn to manage it.
Small Fish, Big Market Value
A healthy Mandarin fish can sell for Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000 in the Indian market, and even higher for export-quality fish. With just a few tanks and a steady supply of live food, a farmer can earn regular income from ornamental fish sales.
This fish is ideal for small families, women, and youth looking to start a business from home. It does not need large amounts of land or heavy machinery. It only needs clean water, patience, and gentle handling.
Training and Support for Farmers
Government fishery departments, MPEDA, and CMFRI sometimes conduct training for ornamental fish farming. Farmers can learn about water quality, feeding, breeding, and disease control. In some cases, financial help is also available for setting up tanks and filters.
Mandarin fish farming is an environmentally friendly and creative way to earn money, especially in coastal villages and towns. It can also be taken up as a part-time activity along with other jobs.
Mandarin fish are not just beautiful, they are also a source of steady income if managed well. They require a clean marine tank, plenty of live food, and careful monitoring. Once the system is set up, they can be sold to aquarium shops and online markets.
For farmers, youth, homemakers, and anyone with an interest in ornamental aquaculture, Mandarin fish farming offers a low-risk, high-return opportunity. With proper training and dedication, it can become a long-term source of livelihood and pride.
