The mandarinfish is among the most vividly coloured reef fish, displaying intricate patterns of blue, orange, yellow, and green across its small, stocky body. Found in coastal reefs and lagoons from the Indo-Pacific, it typically hovers near the sea floor in depths of 5–40 metres, feeding on small crustaceans and larvae. Mandarinfish move slowly and deliberately, and pairs engage in a striking courtship display at dusk, rising together through the water column in synchronised fashion before releasing eggs and sperm.
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.