Dragonet Pairing --- Question about behavior

[bpcardona]

I recently picked up a pair of psychedelic dragonet. They were shipped to the LFS together and in the same small holding tank for a week. I believe that they have a high chance of becoming a bonded pair, if not already. However I have not had a bonded pair of dragonet before and would like your insights. Currently in my tank they are eating well, and when they are near one another no problems arise. However they are not always together. At times they can be found on separate sides of the tank. Is this normal? What signs should I be looking for that they are or are not a bonded pair.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/16209908775" title="Livestock-1.jpg by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7528/16209908775_13073e9b91_c.jpg" width="800" height="654" alt="Livestock-1.jpg"></a>​

 

[Moort82]

That sounds pretty normal to ime. I've had them spawn in my tank and they do lead separate lives during the day and its only when mating that they come together, then they move off again. This is a good thing as it gives the female time to recover from the male's attentions.
They live in harems in the wild so the male patrols his territory and his gang of females, so constant contact isn't possible. I'm not aware that they actually bond tbh. Males will spawn with whoever is about if she is ready.

I will just say that make sure you have a lid on your tank as when they mate they dance to the surface of the tank and I've heard of plenty that have been lost this way.

 

[snorvich]

That sounds pretty normal to ime. I've had them spawn in my tank and they do lead separate lives during the day and its only when mating that they come together, then they move off again. This is a good thing as it gives the female time to recover from the male's attentions.
They live in harems in the wild so the male patrols his territory and his gang of females, so constant contact isn't possible. I'm not aware that they actually bond tbh. Males will spawn with whoever is about if she is ready.

I will just say that make sure you have a lid on your tank as when they mate they dance to the surface of the tank and I've heard of plenty that have been lost this way.

Good advice. Since they mate at "sunset" having lights that simulate that would encourage that behavior.

 

[bpcardona]

Thanks to you both for the advice. I have wanted a pair for awhile now, but didn't know what behavior they would show. I currently have eggcrate covering the back portion of the tank. I will change that to a bit more secure cover.

 

[Paul B]

That is totally normal, mine spawn all the time, like they are doing here, but totally ignore each other the rest of the time. Mine actually spawn early in the morning just before the lights come on but maybe they also do it at night as I don't know. But if they are fed well, and the female starts to fill with eggs, they will spawn.


Pregnant female

 

[bpcardona]

That is totally normal, mine spawn all the time, like they are doing here, but totally ignore each other the rest of the time. Mine actually spawn early in the morning just before the lights come on but maybe they also do it at night as I don't know. But if they are fed well, and the female starts to fill with eggs, they will spawn.


Pregnant female

Holy Toledo batman, that's one pregnant lady. That's really is amazing. I waited two years before I even entertained getting them. I know my tank is well stocked with pods, and plan on continuing dosing the tank with them. How often do you guys add pods?

 

[Paul B]

I wrote a long post about them here. I don't add pods.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2253223&highlight=mandarins