Ruby Red Dragonets Concern

Paul87 · Dec 4, 2014

So I have a male and female ruby red dragonet. The original male that I got with the female that was supposedly a pair jumped ship awhile back. I ended up ordering another male and they have been eating well but steering clear of one another. Just today I noticed the male chasing the female around the tank nipping at her. Is this normal or what? I've had the female for almost a month and the male a week after I got the original pair. Can they find another 'mate' or 'pair'? Would he kill her? Here are pics of both.

Female-

Male-

Thanks for any help. I tried finding out info on this particular matter with not much luck. From what I read its usually the other way around, or if it is 2 males.

NanaReefer · Dec 4, 2014

Are you 100% sure of the sexes? Sorry I can't see the males dorsal/flag.

Paul87 · Dec 5, 2014

99% sure. I cant get a good picture of the male for nothing. Yes the dorsal is a lot bigger and has stripes/different coloration. It is not up but just a little bit in the photo.

NanaReefer · Dec 6, 2014

How are they today?

Paul87 · Dec 7, 2014

Haven't noticed any more chasing or nipping. Not sure what it was about. I seen them hanging out next to one another yesterday with no signs of conflict.

Humblefish · Dec 7, 2014

I have a pair of green mandys, and the male can be a "jerk" to her sometimes. He'll nip at her a little if she gets in his way. And if she gets in-between him and food he's chasing, the girl is getting knocked over. The only time they seem to be "in sync" with one another is right before the lights go out. :wink:

NanaReefer · Dec 8, 2014

Feed them well, feed them often, as close to their natural food source as you can't get. I'm hoping you have much success with them!! How exciting!!

Paul87 · Dec 11, 2014

Well I'm happy to report that the dragonets are looking and doing great. While I was feeding them the other day they were sitting right beside each other with no conflicts whatsoever. Havent noticed any either since I've last updated except once when I turned the powerheads back on and food got to floating around the male nipped at her once and that was that. I think he's just playing Mr. Dominant. Would love to see these fish breed!

NanaReefer · Dec 11, 2014

What are you feeding? Is your tank big enough to sustain a healthy Copepod population and two Dragonets? Check out Paul B's Mandarin Feeding Station, very cool! Look into Black Worms too.
Good luck and keep us posted

Paul87 · Dec 12, 2014

NanaReefer said:
What are you feeding? Is your tank big enough to sustain a healthy Copepod population and two Dragonets? Check out Paul B's Mandarin Feeding Station, very cool! Look into Black Worms too.
Good luck and keep us posted

Well before purchase I made sure they ate prepared foods and they did with no hesitation whatsoever. That was what made my decision to go ahead with the purchase. Not sure if I got lucky with them or what. They will eat literally anything that I have fed my tank that is small enough for their mouths. Even seen my female eat a piece of mysis which I didn't think would happen. I currently feed them prawn roe (nutrimar ova) and reef chili (while feeding coral). They really like them both alot and go nuts over the prawn roe. I do have a decent pod population in my tank, but I don't see it being no where enough for 2 dragonets in a 38 gallon DT. Especially with a chysus wrasse and orchid Dottyback in there with them. I do have a pretty hefty pod population in my fuge which is around 25 gallons. Everything is doing great.