Fingered Dragonet

(Dactylopus dactylopus)

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 Fingered Dragonet is also known simply as the Finger Dragonet. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Fingered Dragonets are quite lovely with their very high dorsal fin and multiple white and black spots over their entire body. They can grow to slightlyly over 7".

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