Synchiropus ocellatus (Ocented mandarin)

This variety is the colorful moin of mandarins since its homocroma and its mimicry is not to display colors live. Slightly territorial, he is however one of the few in his family to tolerate his fellows. Several couples can be maintained in a volume of 300 liters, the presence of living rocks is essential for its survival. It feeds on small animacles colonizing living rocks (small crustaceans, worms etc ...) as well as living or frozen prey. His duration of life is 4 to 6 years.

The Synchiropus Ocellatus is a tropical fish belonging to the CallionyMidae family. It is also known as Mandarin fish, due to its color and its patterns reminiscent of the traditional clothes of Chinese mandarins.

This fish is about 7 cm long and has an elongated and laterally compressed shape. Its color varies from dark blue to bright red, with orange and yellow spots spread over the whole body. Its head is covered with small scales and it has two long back fins which allow it to move quickly in the water.

The Ocellatus synchiropus lives in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, mainly in lagoons and coral reefs around the Southeast Asian islands. It feeds mainly on small crustaceans and algae which he finds on coral reefs.

This fish is highly appreciated for its beauty and liveliness, which makes it a popular animal in aquariums. However, it is difficult to keep in captivity because it has specific food needs and tends to be stressed in captivity.

Due to its popularity and the pressure exerted on its natural habitat, the Onellatus synchiropus is considered vulnerable by the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN). It is therefore important to make people aware of the protection of this animal and its natural habitat to preserve its population.