Nothing enhances an aquarium quite like a green mandarin dragonet. But if you’re planning to introduce this vibrant fish to your setup, you want to do it the right way. After all, not all types of fish get along – and they’ll need a good environment to thrive.
Keep reading to learn how to introduce a green mandarin dragonet to your aquarium successfully!
Get the Right Tank
First, you’ll need to ensure your green mandarin fish have the right tank size and setup. Plan on having a 50-gallon tank to establish a comfortable environment. Your green mandarin dragonet will have enough space to swim more naturally, and you’ll have enough space for feeding.
As for tank components, filtration and water circulation need to be priorities. Keep the water cycling relatively slowly. That’s because green mandarin fish like to swim slowly to find their food.
Add plenty of full-spectrum lighting and a thermometer to track the temperature. You’ll want the temperature to be between 72 and 82 degrees for optimal comfort.
Keep in mind that coral reefs and mandarin goby go together. In their natural habitat, they’re low-lying fish found among lagoons and coral reefs. Your aquarium setup will need to mimic this environment.
Make sure there are plenty of live rock and sandy areas for your mandarin fish. Provide pockets for fish to hide, too. They tend to spend time alone and like to avoid busier situations.
Taking the time to help build a better tank environment will help simulate the mandarin goby’s natural habitat more effectively. And that will keep your fish happier and healthier.
Consider Tank Mates
Are green mandarin fish aggressive? No – and these fish are generally considered to be peaceful. Even so, you’ll need to be careful about the tank mates you select.
Steer clear of putting blue mandarin goby with other mandarin fish, as they can be territorial. This is especially true for fish of the same sex.
The better choice is to pair two mandarin fish of opposite genders. Otherwise, make sure the other fish in your tank also are peaceful. You don’t want the mandarin to be among aggressive fish.
Likewise, tank mates should not be overly active. If tank mates are bigger and more competitive, they might take all the food, leaving your mandarin fish without enough. Look at options like clownfish, coral beauty, or watchman goby as compatible tank mates.
When you introduce a green mandarin to a tank with existing fish, monitor them. Though the mandarin will be a mellow fish, it’s impossible to predict how they will be received.
Further, make sure you’re adding mandarin fish to a tank that’s been up and running for eight months or more. This type of established tank creates a more realistic habitat that will minimize stress.
Satisfy Dietary Needs
In their natural habitat, green mandarin fish are constantly eating. And their food of choice tends to be copepods, which are small, insect-like crustaceans. As a result, you’ll need to create an aquarium that allows copepods to thrive as a food source for your fish, too.
In a large enough tank, copepods will breed and produce more food for your fish. Sustaining colonies of copepods in your tank’s rock formations can be an easier way to provide ongoing food. However, you can introduce live copepods through feeding twice a day as another approach.
You can purchase these insects of the sea in bottles, and generally, your fish will consume one bottle per month. For tanks with other fish that will eat copepods, supply more copepods to make sure everyone gets enough food. While copepods may be the centerpiece of the mandarin fish diet, you may also be able to try brine shrimp.
You can also look at phytoplankton and frozen food as other supplements. Be aware that it can take time to train mandarin fish to eat this type of food. But with patience, they’ll do it, and you’ll be able to supply more constant food.
Since mandarin fish move slowly along the bottom of the tank, the aeration levels increase during feedings. This will help activate the copepods and create a more lively feeding situation for your fish.
Create a Care Routine
Mandarin fish care should become part of your daily routine. They’ll require feedings at least twice a day and a little more attention during these events. The less stressed your fish is, the more likely they are to avoid disease.
Beyond feedings, be attentive to the tank itself. This means checking the water filter every day. You’ll also want to monitor the temperature to make sure your tank isn’t overheated daily.
Weekly, check the water quality. The last thing you want is for your fish to be swimming in contaminated water. Take action as needed to correct this problem.
Changing the filter can be one easy solution. And you should remove and replace roughly 20% of the total water volume in the tank every week or two to keep the water fresh.
Stock up on essential supplies to help maintain your green mandarin dragonet. Get items like a net to help scoop and relocate them during cleanings. You’ll also need a lighting kit, water conditioner, and filters.
Lastly, keep an eye on your mandarin’s appearance. It should have clear eyes, bold colors, and a good appetite. If you notice a lack of appetite, unusual markings, or strange swimming habits, your fish could be sick. Similarly, bloating or cloudy eyes could be signs that something is wrong.
A qualified veterinarian can help diagnose the problem and offer solutions. You may need to quarantine your fish or adjust the water quality in response to viral or bacterial problems.
Welcome a Green Mandarin Dragonet to Your Aquarium
A green mandarin dragonet can add bold colors and a sense of tranquility to your aquarium. Choose a large and established tank with live rocks, sand, and hiding spaces. And make sure to provide plenty of food and routine care.
Find more tips to make your aquarium setup shine. Check back soon for new articles!