Tank Raised Mandarin Question

[Mister_Palmer]

I was wondering what the opinion on tank raised mandarins is.
I know that usually they need a very well established tank in order to thrive and eat.

But there was "ORA Tank Raised Mandarins" and I was told that they were eating mysis, pellets, and other frozen food.
So, if they're eating, would there be an issue putting them in tank that's only a few weeks old (That's cycled from an existing tank, etc)

Or is the food source not the only issue with why they need an aged tank?

 

[Mongo77]

My understanding is that because they are from ORA, I wouldn't just assume that they'll be eating prepared foods no problem. I've been reading alot of horror stories of people buying supposedly ORA Mandarins and having them refuse to eat any prepared foods. I would air on the side of caution and wait till your tank has matured and supports a large enough pod population to keep the mandarin well fed.

 

[Mister_Palmer]

Would you feel differently if they were in a LFS and you saw them eat prepared foods?
Is the eating the only concern with them, as far as having a mature tank goes

 

[Stumped]

Would you feel differently if they were in a LFS and you saw them eat prepared foods?
Is the eating the only concern with them, as far as having a mature tank goes

If you saw them eating prepared food it'd make a significant difference, but wouldn't negate the need for a mature tank. Mandarins are constantly hunting for pods. As a general rule, even if on prepared food, part of the reason people don't recommend them for new and/or small tank is because they feed frequently.

Obviously if you're capable of keeping up with the feeding demands of a fish like this, then that advice isn't as applicable to you. Typically though (and I'm not implying this applies to you), people that ask about putting a mandarin in X size tank or after X weeks of a cycle are not the ones best suited for the long term care of this sort of delicate species.

 

[Mister_Palmer]

Typically though (and I'm not implying this applies to you), people that ask about putting a mandarin in X size tank or after X weeks of a cycle are not the ones best suited for the long term care of this sort of delicate species.

Right, I get that. But, I know that they're a difficult demanding fish. I didn't know just how much easier they are if they were eating prepared food.

I never thought about owning one until today, I've always just said "Meh too hard..."

As far as their feeding demands, is it just making sure they feed 2-3 times a day? I could do that if thats the only thing

 

[sponger0]

There are many threads on ORA madarins. I have one. But fact is it may or may not eat food once you get it home. Also you need to determine what it will eat. I had a difficult time with that. But its a hit or miss usually from what Ive read.

 

[N8thanExpl0sion]

Keep in consideration that they are sloooowwww eaters. If you have other fish in the tank that will consume all the food before the Mandarin gets around to eating it, he could starve out that way.

 

[Mister_Palmer]

Keep in consideration that they are sloooowwww eaters. If you have other fish in the tank that will consume all the food before the Mandarin gets around to eating it, he could starve out that way.

That's a good point...
The only other fish I know I want right now is a filefish, a mimic valentini puffer.
I read that they're peaceful and slow as well.

 

[snorvich]

ORA mandarins have mixed results. I strongly prefer wild caught, but then again I am putting my pair in a tank ideally suited to them. Mine will eat frozen food but would never be able to sustain themselves that way, especially if the tank was only being fed twice a day or less. They are horrible "hunters" in a competitive environment as they are very slow and deliberate. My mated pair will eat mysis, ova, fish roe as it settles near them but remember they eat constantly and have a metabolism to match.

 

[Mister_Palmer]

Hmmmm. Seems like I'd have to way overfeed then in order to get them the food the need. Which then obviously causes other issues...

Maybe I'll pass on this