Mandarinfish
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Synchiropus splendidus
About Mandarinfish.
Mandarinfish have vivid blue, green and orange markings. Males have a longer dorsal spine than females. Aquarium of the Pacific identification account. Published length estimates vary; the size figure in this guide remains provisional pending reconciliation.
Where it lives.
Mandarinfish are associated with coral reefs and the seabed. Paired spawning ascents are described in the aquarium’s species account, but this does not guarantee a display on a particular dive or establish a local seasonal schedule.
How it behaves.
Responsible observation
Avoid seabed contact, manipulating animals and close camera flashes. See Green Fins guidance.
These references support general guidance, not a recent sighting or an encounter guarantee. This is a partial guide; local information can be corrected as evidence improves.
Where to see it.
Evidence for visayas · 7 dive sites
General range is not evidence of occurrence at a specific dive site.
Agus Bay
Mactan
Documented site occurrence
Season not yet documented
Source reviewed on 2026-10-14 · Source: Scotty's Dive Center (Wayback snapshot 2024-02-29) · Observation date not documented
Bahura
Dauin
Documented site occurrence
Season not yet documented
Source reviewed on 2026-10-02 · Source: Dauin Diving Center — undated named-site description; not a recent sighting record · Observation date not documented
Cars Wreck (Dauin)
Dauin
Site occurrence not yet documented
Season not yet documented
No dated observations available.
Lighthouse Reef
Malapascua
Documented site occurrence
Season not yet documented
Source reviewed on 2026-09-27 · Source: Sea Explorers · Observation date not documented
Padre Burgos Pier
Southern Leyte
Documented site occurrence
Season not yet documented
Source reviewed on 2026-09-29 · Source: Divers Alert Network / Alert Diver · Observation date not documented
Talima Marine Sanctuary
Mactan
Documented site occurrence
Season not yet documented
Source reviewed on 2026-10-14 · Source: Philstar, "Adventure Olango" (2009-07-09), quoting the Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort website · Observation date not documented
Talisay Pier
Cabilao Island
Site occurrence not yet documented
Unverified: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
No dated observations available.
Gallery.
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