Are mandarins shy at first?

[janakaybravo]

I put my first mandarin in my 120 gallon with about 150 pounds of live rock. It's been up and running for a year and three months. I have a sump with fuge, so figure I have pods for her. The mandarin hid for about a day, then saw her out. She doesn't stay out where I can see her long enough for me to see her eat. Should I worry yet? Also, will a mandarin know to stay away from anemones?

Thanks.

 

[mysis]

The mandarin will be hunting for pods, mysids etc, all over your rock work, sometimes you can go days without seeing it.

Normally the Mandarin knows to stay away from anemones, however i have seen 1 killed by a carpet anemone.

 

[danieljames]

I've had mine in a 26 bow for three years and i hardly ever see him in the front. He is extremely shy. I have two large gbta's in there and no problems.

 

[janakaybravo]

Thanks for your replies. I had a scooter blenny and saw him all the time. I hoped it would be the same for the mandarin.

 

[thor32766]

yeah i almost never see mine, unless i go searching for him.

 

[Sk8r]

Mostly they're oblivious, if they're on the trail of pods, and pods are more abundant in dark areas.

They get friendly, however: mine comes out and dances up and down the glass in the evening, snapping at imaginary pods, probably seeing her reflection, or me.

 

[janakaybravo]

I've seen her and seen her eating. She's young, so maybe she'll get more outgoing. Thanks!

 

[Artik]

If cant feed with mysid, must have alot of pods on rocks. maybe try live brine, then wein onto mysid. Will not be troubled by anemone