Introducing Mandarin Dragon concerns

[dellinwood]

I have a pair of captive bread mandarin dragons coming soon and wanted to see if anyone has had issues introducing them with other tank mates. My display has always been fairly calm but after adding a pair of blue throat triggers my Sailfin and blue hippo almost killed one of the new additions. I put up mirrors to take the attention off them which worked and the tank is settling down. However I’m now concerned about adding the mandarins especially since they’ll be less than 1” big. Hoping due to size they’ll be left alone! Thoughts??

 

[BeanAnimal]

They will be lunch for the triggers one way or the other.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

them triggers are gonna love that meal you’re preparing for them lol

 

[dellinwood]

them triggers are gonna love that meal you’re preparing for them lol

Well hopefully not. The blue throats are 2” and very timid right now

 

[BeanAnimal]

Well hopefully not. The blue throats are 2” and very timid right now

They will grow and eat whatever can fit in their mouths, or even close to fit... you have been warned.

 

[dellinwood]

They will grow and eat whatever can fit in their mouths, or even close to fit... you have been warned.

I appreciate that. My research lead me to believe they were fairly timid tank mates.. I’ll do some more digging.

To the original question with the tang aggregation.. do they very often pick at dragonettes? I have another system I could add them to if so to let them grow a bit. Thanks

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Not many reef safe fish mess with mandarins. I wouldn't be concerned with your tangs.

As already noted, if a fish can fit in the triggers mouth, they're on the menu.