Another new and somewhat difficult fish

[unleashed]

Picked this guy up yesterday:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g144/aucklandreefer/IMG_0136.jpg

:19:

He's not fat, but not skinny either and he should do well as I have plenty of critters in the tank

Also added a small (1/3 size of my hand) Tiger Brittle Star (Ophiolepis superba).

I also have a purple tang and a pair of Bangaii cardinals arriving tomorrow. thumbs2:

Some of you sharper eyed folks would have noticed that I have added sand :ssmile:

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I did notice that. I wondered if you were going to keep that tank bare bottom. LOL Nice looking Mandarin. One of my favorite fish for sure. Can't wait to see pics of the Purple.

[fraggle]

OK now I have no idea about marine stuff so taking a wild guess.

Is that a madarine goby or mandarine something? Think I've seen it before and just wanted to take a stab!:hmm3grin2orange:

[unleashed]

I did notice that. I wondered if you were going to keep that tank bare bottom. LOL Nice looking Mandarin. One of my favorite fish for sure. Can't wait to see pics of the Purple.

I can't wait to see the purple either.

To be honest, I have been toying with the idea of changing to BB for the last month and I actually went to the LFS to get sand and I bought this guy as well.


OK now I have no idea about marine stuff so taking a wild guess.

Is that a madarine goby or mandarine something? Think I've seen it before and just wanted to take a stab!:hmm3grin2orange:

It's a mandarin fish (Synchiropus splendidus)

I am very hesitant to call them gobies for two reasons:

1. The term 'goby' implies they are much easier to keep than they really are

2. They aren't gobies. They are dragonets

[sid101]

beautiful guy! i want one so bad!

[mommy1]

what a beautiful fish thumbs2:

[MonkeyPox]

Mandarins are the most interesting looking fish in my book. I've always enjoyed them- best of luck to you.

For me, I've always had trouble keeping them in larger tanks, even with very peaceful tankmates. I've had the most success between 20-30g on them. I wish they were as easy as a goby to keep- I'd have one in all my tanks!

[Miltonic]

congrats on the new Mandarin and looking forward to get one myself in a few months! Can't wait to see your purple tang Im still deciding if I want one or not.

[Northernguy]

Stunning fish!thumbs2:

[oldhead]

Congrats on the mandy, I have one also. They are great additions. Don't worry it'll be fat in no time. thumbs2:

[annie p]

Well how's he doing? Does he eat frozen food as well?

[Red]

woo looks great, got any updates?

[unleashed]

Well how's he doing? Does he eat frozen food as well?

He's doing great. Not eating prepared foods.

I'm not worried though. It doesn't make a difference to his health if he eats them or not. Copepods are their only sustainable food source.........

[Harls]

Nice fish!! I've always wanted one!

[annie p]

Me too!!!! I want one! Im going to hold off another 6 months. Im glad hes working out for you.

[Alpo]

I had one of these in my octopus tank before the firefish and even though I added tons of tiger pods and a in tank refugium he didn't survive after about 3 months....:scry:

Good luck though. Pretty fish

[Oscar_freak12321]

That is a truly beautiful fish! Love them! I plan to get a few after I convert to saltwater after a while.

[dogger424]

Nice fish. I had one but he didn't last to long and I'm not sure why. Good luck with him!!!