Mandarinfish

About the Mandarinfish

One of only two vertebrate species with true blue coloring (most blue animals use structural color). They produce a foul-smelling toxic mucus coating that deters predators. They have elaborate mating dances at dusk where males display their fins. They are among the most beautiful aquarium fish but difficult to keep alive. They have no scales. They are found in shallow reef areas. They are nocturnal. They are also called mandarin dragonets. Two species exist - the spotted and the striped. They are not bred in captivity easily. Their blue color comes from cyanophores, a rare pigment cell.