Sandy and muddy bottoms of sheltered bays. It is able to bury itself in sand, or walk on finger-like ventral fins during its search of food. Characteristics of this species are its large body size for dragonet and bright yellow and blue coloured tail, ventral and the two dorsal fins; its mouth is bright orange. Juveniles are with their white body and brightly coloured pattern sought after photography objects. Solitary or in pairs. As all dragonets, it can be observed mating during dusk. It can be confused with the fingered dragonet, which is about the same size and lives in the same habitat. Finger Dragonet lacks the vivid colouration on its fins.

This species usually hides among rubble and within branching coral colonies during the day when it feeds on copepods and other small crustaceans. Mandarins come out at dusk to indulge in a mating ritual, which give you great photographic opportunities. They are easily distinguished from other fish species by having a short chubby body, large rounded fins and beautiful colour pattern reminding the traditional Mandarin dress.

Sandy and muddy bottoms of sheltered bays. It is able to bury itself in sand, or walk on finger-like ventral fins during its search of food. Characteristics of this species are its large body size for dragonet and brown- black colouration with and false blue eye on the first dorsal fin. Solitary or in pairs. As all dragonets, it can be observed mating during dusk. Can be confused with orange and black dragonet, which has brighter orange and blue coloration on its fins and an orange coloured mouth.