rhamphotheca:  Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) Mandarin fish secrete mucous that has an unpleasant smell and a bitter taste. They also have a layer of sacciform cells on the skin which produce and release substances with some toxins. It is suggested that this secretion is used as a repellent from predators and other competitive fish. The significance of the vibrant display of colors of the species is not known. However, it probably makes them highly conspicuous when feeding and mating and may be an aposematic warning. Mandarin fish feed on the bottom. They eat small crustaceans such as amphipods and isopods, small worms and protozoans. Much of its food intake is found living in the reefs and other live rock. If there is a substantial amount of live rock, mandarin fish do not need any other outside source for food. In captivity, the fish usually do not eat prepared food, therefore it becomes difficult to maintain them. They need a great supply of live rock to feed. Mandarin fish have a relatively small mouth, therefore they eat only small food items … (read more: EOL)         (image: Luc Viatour)
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