OSTEICHTHYES: PERCIFORMES: GOBIIDAE: Pterosynchiropus

Pterosynchiropus splendidus (Herre, 1927)

Mandarin goby

Text by Dr. Robert Sprackland.

Photo by Dr. Robert Sprackland

Range: Coastal Northern Australia north to the Philippines.

Diagnosis: A pouty-lipped, large-finned goby with large pale blue rings on a maroon or rusty background.

Description:  

Photo by Daniel J. Diessner.

Natural History: Mandarin gobies get their common name from the resemblance to the long, colorful, silky robes of 19th century Mandarin style. The gobies are slow moving and graceful fish usually found near the coral, into which they quickly disappear if frightened.  

Photo by Dr. Robert Sprackland

Reproduction:

Taxonomy & Relationships:

Variation:

Additional Comments: A popular fish with marine aquarists, but only one specimen may be kept per tank, as they are notorious about fighting with each other.

Type Specimen:

Literature: