Red Mandarin

Special requirements

• Specialized Feeding

  Feeds primarily on natural prey such as tiny crustaceans (copepods) found in live rock and sand; supplemental feeding with vitamin-enriched live brine or black worms may be necessary.

• Mature Ecosystem

  Should only be introduced to a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and live sand to ensure a sustainable population of natural micro-prey.

• Conspecific Aggression

  Generally peaceful toward other species but can be aggressive toward its own kind; males can be identified by an extra-elongated first dorsal spine.

• Reproductive Behavior

  Pairs engage in a specific mating ritual where they ascend toward the water surface in close contact to release eggs and sperm.