One of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, the mandarinfish or mandarin dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) live in sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs of the Pacific Ocean.
Mandarinfish are small (about 6 cm), slow-moving reef dwellers who feed primarily on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. They produce toxic and smelly mucus coating to protect from elements and predators.
Did you know that mandarinfish exclusive mating rituals can be witnessed here in Bunaken on most evenings right before sunset!
Thank you for the beautiful photo Heli Lappalainen.