Underwater dragons: Mandarinfish
This relative of the seahorse can be seen at Wakatobi
If you take a dive from a Pelagian cruise at Wakatobi, you may well find yourself looking at a mandarinfish (sychiropus splendidus).
The mandarinfish is tiny - they typically only reach around 6 to 8cm long - and can be recognised by its stunning bright orange swirls on a blue body, light blue-green face with blue stripes, broad heads, bulging red and black eyes, and a pair of pouty blue lips that any Hollywood A-lister would be proud of.
These visual delights have large, distinctive pelvic fins, which they use to propel themselves, or 'walk' across and perch on the ocean floor in search of food. Pairs of mandarinfish also use these pelvic fins to 'hold hands' during mating, as they ascend to the surface as dusk to release their eggs and sperm during fertilisation.
Mandarinfish don't have scales; they secrete a unique, toxic and foul-tasting mucus that acts as a potent deterrent against most predators. It's not toxic to humans, but it definitely puts off other sea creatures thinking they might make a tasty meal!
Check out this video of a pair of mandarinfish meeting at dusk for a romantic Wakatobi date.
To find out more, or to book your trip to Wakatobi, visit wakatobi.com
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Wakatobi Resort
Experience Wakatobi, a world-renowned dive and snorkel destination in a tranquil island setting and a pristine natural environment, far from crowds. Blending refined comforts with its surroundings, the resort provides spacious, air-conditioned ocean-front villas and bungalows with Wi-Fi, and all-inclusive, chef-prepared meals. Regardless of its remote location, exceptional comfort and convenience are paramount.