Do mandarin gobies breed in captivity if so what are the chances of survival?

Mandarin gobies (Synchiropus splendidus) are small, colorful fish found in the Pacific Ocean. They are popular among aquarists but are considered difficult to keep due to their specific diet and water requirements. Mandarin gobies are also notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, and the chances of survival for their fry are low.

However, there are some reports of successful mandarin goby breeding in captivity. To increase the chances of success, it is important to provide the gobies with a suitable environment and diet. The tank should be well-established with plenty of live rock and hiding places. The water should be clean and have a high oxygen content. The gobies should be fed a diet of live food, such as copepods and amphipods.

If the gobies are healthy and well-fed, they may begin to spawn. The female will lay her eggs in a sheltered spot, such as a cave or under a rock. The male will then fertilize the eggs, and the fry will hatch a few days later.

The fry are very small and delicate and require careful attention to survive. They should be fed a diet of live food, such as rotifers and brine shrimp. The water should be kept clean and free of pollutants. The fry should also be protected from predators, such as larger fish and invertebrates.

With proper care, the mandarin goby fry may grow and survive to adulthood. However, the chances of success are low, and it is important to be realistic about the potential for breeding mandarin gobies in captivity.