Kuiter's Dragonet

(Dactylopus kuiteri)

Dactylopus Mandarins should be added to large well established aquariums with plenty of swim room and wide open sandy areas for hunting. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and hiding. Most Mandarins are very colorful, peaceful and hardy if a large enough live food source is provided. They are opportunistic feeders feeding mostly on small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. A diet rich in meaty live foods needs to be provided. Mandarins are slow moving fish and should be housed with other peaceful fish. Only one male should be housed however multiple females can be housed together. Color, size and fin differences are seen between males and females.

The Kuiter's Dragonet is also known simply as the Orange-black Dragonet. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Kuiter's Dragonets have a beautiful black and orange dorsal fins, white head and body and orange and black stripes on its head and anterior back. They can grow to almost 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareDifficultDifficult
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium