Mandarin Gobies - What’s the truth?

Hancat

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Hi there,

I’ve been doing extensive research on Mandarin Gobies as I hope to own one some day when I can adequately care for them. I’ve read books, researched quite a few articles, and have read quite a few forum posts indicating that this species must have access to copious amounts of copepods, and live in a tank larger than 30 gallons.

However, today, I noticed a keeper on Reddit (yes I know, not the most reliable source) claiming to keep a Mandarin Goby successfully in a shallow nano reef tank, sustaining it only on frozen foods.

My question is: is that really possible? Can they really live healthy lives without copepods?

I’m just trying to figure out how this reefer is claiming such success when it goes against every piece of information I’ve found thus far.

Maybe I am incorrect?

Thanks for your thoughts!
IMG_2813.jpeg
 

shakacuz

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some fish that are traditionally known to only eat a specific food(i.e mandarin), have been conditioned within being captive bred to eat other foods like pellets or flakes. that goby, perhaps one bought from ORA/BIOTA may have been conditioned to eat prepared foods.

there is always the chance it will always prefer the food it is primarily adapted to eat, like copepods.
 

winxp_man

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if they are rank raised they can eat frozen, or even pellet food. But the two I own don’t care for any of it. I loaded my tank with two bottle of tiger copepods. They are doing well. My first one was a male he was not an existed fish at all. Then I decided to get a female for him. Guys now perking up big time. I currently have a 115 gal tank. Upgrading to 150 gal in a week. My two Mandies are rank mates with 6 Ocy clowns. They are all doing well.
 

bubbgee

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I have success. I use mysis and cyclops (frozen) to supplement my copepod population. I have both a mandarin and a copperband butterfly and a six line wrasse to keep happy. I broadcast feed so the mandarin has to go around and find the frozen food which is nice as it keeps him hunting.
 

winxp_man

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some fish that are traditionally known to only eat a specific food(i.e mandarin), have been conditioned within being captive bred to eat other foods like pellets or flakes. that goby, perhaps one bought from ORA/BIOTA may have been conditioned to eat prepared foods.

there is always the chance it will always prefer the food it is primarily adapted to eat, like copepods.
Was typing as you responded haha. But pretty much what I just posted. They also love being in pairs.
 

nate761

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Interesting, I guess I didn’t realize they could just be fed pellets and or frozen and still be satisfied, I guess I need to do some more research.
Wild caught will typically only go for copepods and nothing else . The one that redditor has was trained to eat other foods . You would have to make sure you bought one that was trained or it will starve in a new tank.
 

winxp_man

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Interesting, I guess I didn’t realize they could just be fed pellets and or frozen and still be satisfied, I guess I need to do some more research.
I think it’s better to keep them on copepods. Easier to maintain. For me anyways. I have to feed the clowns and buncha nems already.
 
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Hancat

Hancat

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if they are rank raised they can eat frozen, or even pellet food. But the two I own don’t care for any of it. I loaded my tank with two bottle of tiger copepods. They are doing well. My first one was a male he was not an existed fish at all. Then I decided to get a female for him. Guys now perking up big time. I currently have a 115 gal tank. Upgrading to 150 gal in a week. My two Mandies are rank mates with 6 Ocy clowns. They are all doing well.
Thanks for the reply, seeing as you keep yours in a larger system, is it recommended to keep them in a nano setup? I don’t think mine is an appropriate size for one (20 long) but I’m thinking maybe when I upgrade to a 40. However, the redditors tank was quite small at 10 gallons. (Again, I know Reddit is a wild place lol)
 

BubblesandSqueak

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Interesting, I guess I didn’t realize they could just be fed pellets and or frozen and still be satisfied, I guess I need to do some more research.
My ORA was fed PE Mysis. But they still eat pods so you should still dose the tank with them. Mines been eating both for a year. Got her at about 3/8" long and now about 1.5".
 

nate761

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Thanks for the reply, seeing as you keep yours in a larger system, is it recommended to keep them in a nano setup? I don’t think mine is an appropriate size for one (20 long) but I’m thinking maybe when I upgrade to a 40. However, the redditors tank was quite small at 10 gallons. (Again, I know Reddit is a wild place lol)
I’m in that thread . He said his tank is 75 liters which is approximately 20 gallons
 

winxp_man

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Thanks for the reply, seeing as you keep yours in a larger system, is it recommended to keep them in a nano setup? I don’t think mine is an appropriate size for one (20 long) but I’m thinking maybe when I upgrade to a 40. However, the redditors tank was quite small at 10 gallons. (Again, I know Reddit is a wild place lol)
If it’s the only one eating copepods you should be good. A 40gal would be a nice upgrade for sure. See if you can find a long 40. Makes for better viewing in my opinion. But a 20 would be okay. Keep an eye out for copepod numbers if possible. They eat a lot of them. Some say they will eat up to 1000 per day, so there are people that put in a bottle a week of copepods.
 

sfin52

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They are feed pellet and what not but competition is slim. In a reef tank competition is fierce. Crabs snails and other fish will out compete it.

I still think a very healthy pod population is a must
 

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