Aggressive blue mandarin

[grant k]

I have a female blue mandarin that has attacked 2 different females placed in the tank with her (both subsequently removed leaving her alone). Everything I read before trying this said male to male aggression was possible but found nothing on female to female. Is this normal behavior between to female blue mandarins or do I have some super alpha

 

[Pugfishluv3]

I believe even male female can have some aggression. #reef squad @Paul B should be able to help, plus it needs to be moved they can help with that to

 

[helen ann]

Hi!
Let me get you some help! #reefsquad.

While you waiting ...

 

[Pugfishluv3]

Hi!
Let me get you some help! #reefsquad.

While you waiting ...

Thanks my auto spelling separated the words lol

 

[Duke4Life]

Welcome!

 

[Maritimer]

Welcome aboard, Grant!

Female mandarins can _definitely_ be aggressive. I've got a long-term target mandy female, and added a pair of blues - the female target hits on the blues when she spots them, and appears to have a pretty significant bite to her!

~Bruce

 

[RJ Harris]

Any female fish can have aggression towards another female fish my maroon and Darwin are both females and they always show some agression. In your case it might be because you introduce a new female to your resident females established territory. I'd try an acclimation box. I've never used one but heard good things about them.

Welcome to the forum by the way

 

[Brew12]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

My understanding is that once the fish have reached maturity, they only do well together as a mated pair. Otherwise, they see each other as a competition for food. Even with a male/female pair it is recommended that the male be bigger or the female is likely to attack it.

I found some evidence to suggest you can keep 2 different types in the same aquarium if it is large enough and have plenty of food. The suggestion was a 200g+ (large footprint, not tall) tank with lots of live rock.

Of course, many fish neglect to read the rules they are supposed to live by. Anything is possible!

 

[grant k]

Thank you very much all very helpful info. I am reluctant to even try a larger male at this point. First ever forum I have ever joined and so far a very pleasant experience.

 

[steve&mari]

I agree with everyone above and also what size tank are you trying this in.
Also welcome and glad you're finding it helpful and friendly.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

welcome!

 

[grant k]

It's a Red Sea Max 250, so 55 g display w a 10g sump

 

[Brew12]

It's a Red Sea Max 250, so 55 g display w a 10g sump

Very nice!

How have you been feeding them? Many people struggle to keep a single Mandarin in a tank that size. Is yours eating frozen or are you supplementing?

And no, I'm not suggesting a pair isn't possible or even a good idea if you know what you are doing. PaulB has had a breeding pair in a 55g (I believe) for years.

 

[RJ Harris]

A pair is very possible with the right amount of space and food for them. You might have better luck with a male. I have a breeding pair of them also but in a 125. They bred for the first time last night

 

[dbl]

Looks like you're getting Mandarin help so I will just say welcome to R2R .

 

[grant k]

I've started a copepod breeding colony which is doing very well. I harvest 5 cups from the colony every few days (don't know how many that translates into but see a lot of wiggling) so she should have plenty to eat. Do u think a large male might work?

 

[Brew12]

I've started a copepod breeding colony which is doing very well.

That is awesome! You should start a build thread and highlight that. I doubt very few people do more than run a refugium.

@eatbreakfast might be a better source for adding a large male. Hopefully he can come and offer some advice.

 

[grant k]

Thank you will do

 

[eatbreakfast]

Once a mandarin matures, whether male or female, adding another mandy of the same gender is out. However, I have also seen mature mandarins refuse to tolerate a mandarin of the opposite sex as well. On the plus side it seems as though you have a very healthy specimen.