Is it normal for mandarin dragonet to be shy

Justin poirier · Sep 18, 2017

I just bought a mandarin and he’s not moving much breathing perfect but he doesn’t want to leave one spot he’ll wonder (sometimes) but will spend lot of time in one spot only

Firethorn77 · Sep 18, 2017

Just give it some time. It took mine a few days before he started roaming around the tank.

Saltybubbles288 · Sep 18, 2017

I'd give it at least a week to let him settle in, have you noticed him foraging at all? Eating at least a little would be a good sign.

nautical_nathaniel · Sep 18, 2017

They're very shy at first but they will warm up to their owner after a while, especially when you get a good feeding schedule going.

Justin poirier · Sep 19, 2017

Saltybubbles288 said:
I'd give it at least a week to let him settle in, have you noticed him foraging at all? Eating at least a little would be a good sign.

I’ve seen him look for food with his eyes. Never pick at it as a mandarin would do. Are supplying copopods a good choice I red blenny that roams and finds copopods all over the tank

nautical_nathaniel · Sep 19, 2017

Justin poirier said:
I’ve seen him look for food with his eyes. Never pick at it as a mandarin would do. Are supplying copopods a good choice I red blenny that roams and finds copopods all over the tank

Supplying copepods would be a great choice. Look up DIY mandarin feeders and try to get one in the area he stays in.

Justin poirier · Sep 19, 2017

pensacola-aquarist said:
Supplying copepods would be a great choice. Look up DIY mandarin feeders and try to get one in the area he stays in.

Okay. I think there are copepods already especially since myred dragonet/ scooter blenny is eating copepods AND frozen so hopefully my mandarin will join in with that party

nautical_nathaniel · Sep 19, 2017

Justin poirier said:
Okay. I think there are copepods already especially since myred dragonet/ scooter blenny is eating copepods AND frozen so hopefully my mandarin will join in with that party

It can take some time, best to create as much of a low stress environment as possible for the little guy as it gets used to its new home. Just make sure there are plenty of pods in the tank for both fish, since that will be their primary food source between feedings.