I have had two species together, but I don't know the sex. If you're gonna put two together, I'd recommend a large tank with a lot of LR, and a back-up pod farm.
i have one already, who is quite fat and happy....i have 2 pod piles in the tank...i'm really not sure how much rock, but most of it is tonga branch....i got that because i think it gives more feeding area for the mandarin and breeding area to the pods/small worms.....and no shortage of pods, they are everywhere.....and no competing fish
yes, i do have a pair, but they are the same species as noted.
if the tank is large enough and there is enough food, i think you can mix species, but don't quote me on this one...
wheres amp when you need him...
Right here, at your beckoned call.
Manderins, what a great little reef fish, one of my favorite. Have you ever noticed I say that about most saltwater fish? I've been totally hooked for years, nearly half a century. God that makes me seem old. Oh, well.
The first concern in having one Manderin is adequate food supply. Since they only eat live food that means pods, lots of pods. That means having more than just LR for them to do their breeding thing. I like to set up a Puka shell breeding station in my sump/refugium for them to have security from predators to do their thing. In lieu of that option a rubble pile or two in the main display would be a second alternative.
The next concern I would have is finding a healthy Manderin. Consider this, most LFS cannot supply a Manderin with an adequate supply of live food. Live brine shrimp is not only a poor substitute for pods, the Manderin is so fussy an eater it won't touch LB until it's acclimated to tank life and eating pods. Then it might not ever eat LB. so finding a healthy one is a problem. Inspect a prospective Manderin for the following symptoms of starvation, concave belly area and muscle loss in the back and shoulder area. If you find one that doesn't show these symptoms I'd take a chance and buy him.
Next concern, Manderins are slow deliberate swimmers and can be easily scared off a potential meal by more robust swimming fish. So, careful consideration of current and future tank mates should be paramount in your decision.
Next concern, Multiple Manderins. It's a fact that male Manderins will fight. So, avoid two males. It's noted above the sexual differences between male and female Manderins.
Next concern, mixing species of Manderins. Sorry, I don't have a clew on this one. My guess would be that two males of different species will act like two rowdy boys. I would avoid two males.
Final concern, Just because you have enough pod production to feed one Manderin doesn't mean your pod production facilities will support two. As more pods are consumed your breeding stock is being reduced. Also, other fish in your system are opportunistic pod eaters further reducing the systems ability to support two Manderins.
I'm sure there are other variables involved, too.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
The first concern in having one Manderin is adequate food supply. Since they only eat live food that means pods, lots of pods. That means having more than just LR for them to do their breeding thing. I like to set up a Puka shell breeding station in my sump/refugium for them to have security from predators to do their thing. In lieu of that option a rubble pile or two in the main display would be a second alternative.
yes, have 2 large rubble piles.....i did that expressly for the mandarin...plus the fuge.....i also used tonga branch, feeling that the pods would have more breeding area in all the crevices i have in there
Quote:
The next concern I would have is finding a healthy Manderin. Consider this, most LFS cannot supply a Manderin with an adequate supply of live food. Live brine shrimp is not only a poor substitute for pods, the Manderin is so fussy an eater it won't touch LB until it's acclimated to tank life and eating pods. Then it might not ever eat LB. so finding a healthy one is a problem. Inspect a prospective Manderin for the following symptoms of starvation, concave belly area and muscle loss in the back and shoulder area. If you find one that doesn't show these symptoms I'd take a chance and buy him.
the first one i got was eating live brine....but he did not look like he was doing well on that, so i added him to the display....he was a little skinny.....i know what to look for
Quote:
Next concern, Manderins are slow deliberate swimmers and can be easily scared off a potential meal by more robust swimming fish. So, careful consideration of current and future tank mates should be paramount in your decision.
i chose only tank mates that would be compatable w/ mandarins...everyone is peaceful and a good citizen...my most aggressive fish is a little yellow goby who thinks he owns the tank
Quote:
Next concern, Multiple Manderins. It's a fact that male Manderins will fight. So, avoid two males. It's noted above the sexual differences between male and female Manderins.
Next concern, mixing species of Manderins. Sorry, I don't have a clew on this one. My guess would be that two males of different species will act like two rowdy boys. I would avoid two males.
this was my concern and initial question...thank you
Quote:
Final concern, Just because you have enough pod production to feed one Manderin doesn't mean your pod production facilities will support two. As more pods are consumed your breeding stock is being reduced. Also, other fish in your system are opportunistic pod eaters further reducing the systems ability to support two Manderins.
i would not add the other fish if i thought i was putting him/her at risk....every aspect of my tank was geared towards being able to house a mandarin....i have kept an eye on everything....and it seems as though the pod pop has actually grown since the initial addition...and not just a little bit...i have also have kept away from any fish that eats pods, for this very reason
thanks for help...it is appreciated:-)
__________________ Wendy
___________________________ " Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine."...Buddha
You have done a good job of preparing your system for a second Manderin. Keep us informed on how things work out. Good luck comes to those who prepare.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
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