Mandarinfish Pier Dive with Wakatobi’s Dive Yacht, Pelagian

Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus)
Shot with a Nauticam housed Nikon D850 and 60mm Macro. Camera settings: 1/180 sec. at f/22

Sunset was close at hand, and we were getting ready for a twilight dive on Magic Pier in Pasar Wajo Bay on the southeast coast of Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Regularly visited by Wakatobi’s live-aboard dive yacht Pelagian, the Pier is known for something really special – Mandarinfish!

Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) a member of the dragonet family.
Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) a member of the dragonet family.

If you haven’t yet seen a mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus), here’s what you’re missing. A member of the Dragonet family, mandarinfish are exceptionally striking with a garish coloration consisting of vivid green swirls atop a predominantly orange body fringed in deep blue with yellow accents around the head. 

Although mandarinfish are not particularly rare in the Tropical Western and Indo Pacific, finding them with any reliable form of consistency is somewhat limited. This is particularly true if your goal is to capture images of them during their more amorous exploits. 

During a trip in the Philippines at Puerta Galera, I was taken to a “Mandarinfish hot spot”. Unfortunately, this site was also well known to every dive operation. The experience for me was not productive nor enjoyable due to the high volume of divers present, which also turned the site into a giant snow globe of particulate.

Male and femaleMandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) a member of the dragonet family.
Male and femaleMandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) a member of the dragonet family.

In comparison, the middle part of Pelagian’s one week itinerary includes two days at Pasar Wajo Bay in Buton. This area is well off the beaten path of other live aboard dive boats, as well as being far removed from dive resorts. The main element here is muck diving that serves up a variety of marine life you generally don’t find in coral reef habitats. And the signature attraction is the scores of mandarinfish that reside around the base of the site Magic Pier. 

The dive begins 15 minutes before sunset to allows divers to properly position on the bottom midway down the large rubble pile below the pier. 

Having done this dive twice, I am still amazed by just how many of these ornately colored fish, about half the size of my thumb, are here in this spot. 

Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) emerging from a wide number of crevasses in the rock pile below Magic Pier.
Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) emerging from a wide number of crevasses in the rock pile below Magic Pier.

Magic Pier Mandarinfish Video: https://youtu.be/JRdHeTgruao

In addition to a group of about seven on this dive, there were still more emerging from a wide number of crevasses to my right and left. Most were females milling about awaiting the arrival of a suitor–or in this case suitors, which made their appearances in short order.

The only real give away to identifying the sex of the mandarinfish is generally in its size, as mature males are typically larger than the females. In most fish I.D. books, the average size female mandarinfish is described to be 1-1/2 inches in length with males only slightly larger. What I find surprising is that a good number of the males at Magic Pier are… well, above average and appearing to be close to 3 inches in length, having me wonder what these guys are eating. 

Strutting their Stuff

With unabashed confidence, the males will mark their arrival with a little bit of a flourish and pectoral fins fluttering like a hummingbird. And at the same time, they “work the room” by tightly circling the ladies in a courting fashion. 

A threesome of Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) during courtship.
A threesome of Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) during courtship.

Typically, during this phase of the courtship, the dance might involve up to three fish – one male to two females. But as the more willing individuals of the group take over, pairs will begin a spiraling ascent two to three feet above the coral. The purpose for this maneuver is because mandarinfish are broadcast spawners; both the eggs and sperm are released simultaneously into the water column to be carried away in the currents. To achieve optimum fertilization, the female must come as close to the male’s pelvic fins as she can, at the peak moment of their climb, where she will then release her eggs.

Mandarinfish are broadcast spawners; both the eggs and sperm are released simultaneously into the water column to be carried away in the currents.
Mandarinfish are broadcast spawners; both the eggs and sperm are released simultaneously into the water column to be carried away in the currents.

With my camera armed with modeling lights set on red-light mode I was able to easily follow the upward progression of the pairs without losing them in the frame as I shot. At the point at which you would think they would continue ascending, the pairs would suddenly break contact and rapidly descend back to their starting place. 

I have posted a short article on photographing these beautiful fish which you can see by Clicking Here

Two large male mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) sizing each other up for a possible fight.
Two large male mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) sizing each other up for a possible fight.

Looking down and expecting the show to be over, I was surprised to see another male already at it again putting the moves on the next available babe. At the same time, two large males hit a disagreement on who should stay and who should go. With dorsal fins erect, the two sized each other up trying to determine who was the bigger badass, which I thought was hilarious given their excessively flamboyant coloration. Expecting to see the fur, rather fins fly, their squaring off behavior suddenly came to an end in a draw.

During the span of some 35 to 40 minutes, the entire area within this embankment of rocks below the pier looked like a swinging singles club of Mandarinfish with as many as 3 to 4 different males successfully mating with up to 6 different females. Talk about some guys having all the luck.

Learn more about diving from Pelagian at wakatobi.com/dive-yacht

Ask a guest experience representative about booking a cruise on Pelagian. 
www.wakatobi.com Email: info@wakatobi.com

@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
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@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS41ODI2RjhGOTVBODI2NDE5

How Long Can You Keep Air in a Cylinder? #AskMark #scubadiving

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
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FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker 
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show 
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks 
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show 

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The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/your-worldwide-dive-show-guide-for-2025/

JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX)
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS43OTNDNTk0OUNGMDA1MUNG

Upcoming Dive Shows in 2025 #scubadiving #diveshow

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged. 

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/ 
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged.

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS4yNkZBOTQyMkYxQkQyMzc2

Spanish Cave Closed After Fatality #scuba #podcast #news

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