ORA’s captive bred Mandarin Dragonets do NOT require live foods. Ours readily feed on pellet and frozen foods, making them an easier to keep and ethical alternative to difficult wild caught Mandarins! 

Synchiropus splendidus – Mandarin Dragonets are inarguably one of the most beautiful species on earth, which makes them very popular aquarium fish. Our mandarins have a mix of blue-green and red coloration on the body and deep blue accents on the fins. The coloration may appear different in varying lighting spectrums.  These photos show what our mandarins typically look like.

Unfortunately, the natural diet of wild caught mandarins is live food, which can be tedious and costly for many new hobbyists to provide, especially in immature or small tanks. Even if provided the best captive conditions, wild caught mandarins often succumb to wounds inflicted by spear guns or toxic cyanide used during the wild collection process. An overwhelming number of wild caught Mandarin Dragonets die in captivity for these reasons.

ORA Snow Storm Ocellaris

Acreichthys tomentosus – Aiptasia Eating Filefish aka Matted Filefish are an incredibly helpful species of filefish. They are called the Aiptasia Eating Filefish because of their propensity to eat nuisance anemones which plague most home aquariums like Aiptasia, majano anemones, and some types of hydroids. They do not require Aiptasia and will eat most aquarium foods. These interesting little filefish have the ability to change coloration and blend in with their surroundings rapidly, making it fun to watch them roam around the tank.

This species is reef safe with caution, as some individuals may nip at soft corals, zoas, SPS polyps, fleshy LPS corals, clam mantles, and/or tiny ornamental shrimp. They do well in tanks 30 gallons or larger and are peaceful toward other fish species. They are territorial with their own kind, but can be kept in pairs. It’s easy to sex these fish as adults because the males have clear bristles on the caudal peduncle near the base of the tail, giving this fish its other common name of Bristletail Filefish.

Pseudochromis fridmani – The Orchid Dottyback is a striking reef fish known for its brilliant, electric purple body and contrasting black eye stripe. Native to the Red Sea, this species has become a favorite among reef aquarists for its bold color and manageable temperament.

Unlike many other dottybacks, P. fridmani is notably more peaceful, making it one of the more community-friendly choices within its genus. While it may chase very small shrimp in tight spaces, it usually leaves other fish, corals, and invertebrates alone. It may fight with conspecifics or similar looking species. In fact, it can be a useful addition for helping control populations of unwanted pests like bristle worms.

Captive-bred by ORa, these dottybacks are weaned onto pellets and flakes, and readily accept frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. They are hardy, reef safe, and well-suited to both small and larger aquariums with adequate rockwork and hiding spots.