The Lovely Mandarin by LanSalt water aquariums can house some of the most beautiful fish. It is a hypnotic experience to watch these creatures move through their underwater world with such grace and beauty. Among the many beautiful fish that are popular aquarium dwellers, the Mandarin goby is one of the most dazzling. The Mandarin fish is also known as, and commonly referred to as, the BIOTA Mandarin Dragonet. There are several types of Mandarin, varying by color, such as the spotted Mandarin, stripped “psychedelic” Mandarin, green Mandarin, and red Mandarin. All Mandarins are brightly colored, with hues ranging from bright blue, red, green, yellow and orange; arranged in exquisite stripes, spots and patterns. Mandarins are arguably the loveliest fish found in many saltwater aquariums. Growing up to 3 inches in length and native to the South Pacific, Mandarin fish are found on sandy ocean floors between rock and reef crests. They can be found in groups or in pairs and are very docile. [CFish] The Mandarin’s non aggressive nature and beautiful colors make them a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists, but with this popularity comes some drawbacks. Mandarin fish are very finicky eaters and due to this, they are the most likely fish to die when introduced into a new aquarium. Mandarins feed primarily on copepods and amphipods and prefer live copepods and amphipods to frozen foods or pellets. Add to their picky eating habits the fact that they are a slow moving fish, slower than other aquarium fish that will get to the food first, and the feeding problem is compounded. In short, if they don’t like the food and are too slow to get to any live food, they will starve. When introducing Mandarin Dragonets into an aquarium it is important to have enough rock and coral to mimic their natural environment. The rock and coral also help in building up a natural environment for live copepods to hide, reproduce, establish a colony and provide a renewable food source. By using live food for Mandarin fish a food chain is created, the fish is well fed and you are one step closer to a sustainable aquarium. The Mandarin fish is a beauty. Their calm nature and striking colors make them a wonderful addition to any saltwater aquarium. With special handling and preparation, a Mandarin will happily transition to your aquarium and become a brightly colored, pretty new addition. [CFish]
Stephen says July 17, 2016 at 10:47 am IMO, there is NO fish as awesome as a Mandarin. I just love them! Reply
fossjammie says March 4, 2019 at 7:01 pm Yes this was the first fish i wanted for my tank but then found out you need a more seasoned tank to support them. Reply
Lisa Trill says March 4, 2019 at 8:54 pm Mandarins are such beautiful and peaceful fish! So glad they are being captive bred 🙂 Reply
flecksofgod says March 5, 2019 at 4:43 am I have been dying to have mandarins in my tank ever since I’ve gotten into the hobby #algaebarn Reply
Jeffrey Roberts says March 5, 2019 at 1:42 pm id love to win these guys. there so beautiful to watch. Reply
Chris says March 12, 2019 at 6:38 am I would love to get s pair of mandarin fish, had one many years ago but wasn’t able to keep him alive(non pods avail back then) Reply
Meghan says March 18, 2019 at 8:11 pm I hope a Mandarin will find me, anytime, any day. Here I am your special reefkeeper, come away, come away…. Mandarin, Mandarin, Mandarin! Yes I will sing it if I win it Reply
Meghan Corvington says March 4, 2019 at 6:45 pm These fish are so amazing, but so sad that so many die due to improper knowledge of feeding. Great quick read! Reply
daniellenseymour says March 11, 2019 at 5:07 pm My thoughts exactly, very nice to see this educational piece. Reply
Victoria Brewer says March 4, 2019 at 6:53 pm Beautiful fish I’d love to add more captive breed fish to my tank Reply
Ivan Serrano says March 4, 2019 at 6:54 pm in the right environments, these fish can make an amazing show fish. Reply
roguereef94 says March 4, 2019 at 6:55 pm I can’t believe AlgaeBarn is making this contest happen. This is once in a lifetime to win some mandarins Reply
Javan Argenal says March 4, 2019 at 6:58 pm These are the reason why I started the hobby and I havent owned 1 yet ;( mainly because I’ve read they can be picky and I wanted a bigger tank before I got 1 and now I have the bigger tank with a sump and refuge for the copepods to feed my future fish, so it would be so awesome to win my first fish for the tank ?? Reply
Megan says March 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm My husband and I have a tank, these are beautiful fish that we would love to add one day. Reply
Nelson says March 4, 2019 at 7:05 pm I always enter your contest I never win! I always wanted a mandarin but 2 would be epic Reply
hagenwil000 says March 4, 2019 at 7:05 pm I have wanted one of these since I was 10 I love these fish so much Reply
Ken Onulak says March 4, 2019 at 7:08 pm Just love Mandarins. A pair would be awesome. I picked up a couple of yellow tangs from AlgaeBarn they are doing great. Reply
Javan Argenal says March 4, 2019 at 7:10 pm These are the reason why I started this hobby and I still haven’t owned one 🙁 I wanted to wait until I have a bigger tank and now I finally do (150gallons) with a sump/refuge for copepods to feed these beautys so it would be awesome if I won, to have these as my first fish for my tank !!?? Reply
L nino says March 4, 2019 at 7:11 pm When I was a kid mandarins were about $100 and nearly impossible to keep. I’ve always wanted one but still have never owned one. Reply
Courtney Morrow says March 4, 2019 at 7:13 pm One of Mother Nature’s most beautiful works of art Reply
dwayne says March 4, 2019 at 7:16 pm Great products and fast delivery time. Easy to find great sump starter kits. Reply
dwayne says March 4, 2019 at 7:18 pm Wonderful product and fast service. Great sump starter kits. Reply
125gSW says March 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm I think the most important message in this article for all hobbyists is that “they are the most likely fish to die when introduced into a new aquarium.” As tempting as it may be, it is in the best interest for everyone to ensure your tank is established and stabilized before you add this magnificent fish. Reply
Marisa Stanton says March 4, 2019 at 7:38 pm They are such beautiful fish! I would love to have one some day! ? Reply
Eli H says March 4, 2019 at 8:00 pm Love algae barns phyto and pods. I’ve used them to initially set up my tank and now they are all over the place! Reply
Lindsey Smith says March 4, 2019 at 8:08 pm I’ve loved this fish since before I set up my first saltwater tank. Such a beautiful creature!! I’ve been growing pods in my reef for 8 months to get ready for a mandarin! Reply
ahktar.lordace says March 4, 2019 at 8:11 pm Mandarins are the best, captive bred pairs are amazing. Reply
Jose pacheco says March 4, 2019 at 8:19 pm My favorite fish. I have spent the last months preparing my tank to have enough copepods and amphipods to add this beautiful fish shortly Reply
Aaron Gustafson says March 4, 2019 at 8:19 pm Love love love these fishies. So much fun to watch as they prowl your reef Reply
Michael Wilkshire says March 4, 2019 at 8:44 pm I have a captive bred Mandarin in my 120 gallon reef. I’d love to have a pair for my 50 gallon cube. Reply
Evan Hellman says March 4, 2019 at 8:44 pm I’ve got pods and phyto from algae barn and both were amazing! I always love seeing such a great company do giveaways 🙂 Reply
Zhan says March 4, 2019 at 9:05 pm Wild caught mandarins haven’t worked so well for me. Really want to try to captive breads. Reply
Nick says March 4, 2019 at 9:20 pm I love mandarin fish and the colors but finding a good eater that’s both healthy and reef ready, that’s hard thanks to algae barn it’s a heck of a lot easier and I can’t wait for more! Reply
Nick wagoner says March 4, 2019 at 9:27 pm I cannot wait to add these to my tank especially with your new packaged deals I’m super geeked! Reply
jacob says March 4, 2019 at 9:29 pm I love Dragonets! I have a red ruby and she is so awesome to watch! Reply
Elizabeth says March 4, 2019 at 9:58 pm I would definitely like to have a pair someday! I think they are absolutely beautiful fish. Reply
Christopher Burns says March 4, 2019 at 10:17 pm one of the most beautiful fish you could have in your tank Reply
Angela Revell says March 4, 2019 at 10:17 pm I am planning to buy one of these soon. Winning a pair would be an awesome addition to my tank. Reply
Brandon Cruz says March 4, 2019 at 10:34 pm In my opinion, the mandarin has to be one of the most beautiful fish in the hobby! Reply
Ricardo Munoz says March 4, 2019 at 10:35 pm Winning the pair or not I will eventually have some! Reply
Douglas Smith says March 4, 2019 at 10:43 pm I’m still amazed that mandarins are being captive bred. Hopefully more fish start being captive bred! Reply
Jose says March 5, 2019 at 1:16 am The mandarin is a beautiful and majestic fish, and it will grace the tank if anyone should ever choose to own one. Reply
Bailey says March 5, 2019 at 2:57 am So glad these are available CB now! Beautiful fish, can’t wait to have my own! Reply
Devin Donaldson says March 5, 2019 at 5:33 am One of my favorite fish definitely on the wish list Reply
Jose p says March 5, 2019 at 7:23 am My favorite fish. I have spent the last months preparing my tank to have enough copepods and amphipods to add this beautiful fish shortly. Reply
Brandon Stickel says March 5, 2019 at 7:33 am Mandarin’s are awesome and it’s so muc easier now to keep them. You don’t ave to setup a huge pod culturing setup. It’s pretty cool. Reply
Rico Limon says March 5, 2019 at 7:37 am My favorite fish. I have spent the last months preparing my tank to have enough copepods and amphipods to add this beautiful fish shortly Reply
Terrence Henderson says March 5, 2019 at 8:12 am Beautiful fish. You can’t beat an addition like this fish to your tank. Reply
Terrence Henderson says March 5, 2019 at 8:14 am This is a beautiful fish. you can’t beat this addition to a nice tank. Reply
Terry Van Volkenburg says March 5, 2019 at 8:26 am Mandarin’s are beautiful, mesmerizing to watch swim and hover like hummingbirds. God put in overtime making these fish. Reply
Don Newell says March 5, 2019 at 9:02 am its great to see that aquacultured marine life is becoming more popular expeciall for a species that is relatively difficult for many to keep Reply
Tammie Davenport says March 5, 2019 at 9:15 am Super beautiful fish … I My tank is ready waiting ! Reply
William Eisenhuth says March 5, 2019 at 9:27 am Wife’s favorite fish need to establish PODs in my Reef Reply
Jordan Robert Enwright says March 5, 2019 at 9:42 am Mandarins are awesome! They are my favorite! Reply
Lauren Butler says March 5, 2019 at 10:00 am They’re the most stunning fish I’ve seen in this hobby and I’m glad they’re now being captive bred. Reply
Robert Espinosa says March 5, 2019 at 11:23 am Mandarins are definitely one of the most beautiful fish available for home aquariums. I so glad so much info is available now to be able to successfully keep these beauties. Reply
Lee Genick says March 5, 2019 at 12:15 pm Visited the Biota facility in FL. Would love to raise a pair of these mandarins. Reply
tpeel75 says March 5, 2019 at 4:30 pm I have one of these. Check out the blog written By Nathan its great Reply
Zachary Hensley says March 5, 2019 at 4:34 pm I have always wanted a mandarin! Hopefully ill get the chance to win it? Reply
burrkester says March 5, 2019 at 10:06 pm So colorful and beautiful. Little nymphs of the reef. Reply
burrkester says March 5, 2019 at 10:11 pm Beautiful and colorful are the little nymphs of the reef Reply
Jeff Britman says March 5, 2019 at 10:36 pm Such an iconic fish! Love that they are able to breed in captivity ? Reply
Jeffrey Roberts says March 6, 2019 at 8:31 am i would love to win. these are one of the most beautiful fish to watch Reply
Kevin Silvis says March 6, 2019 at 12:02 pm Need to add a pair of these to my 92 gallon mixed reef asap. Reply
klr12_02 says March 6, 2019 at 3:27 pm Love my mandarin and happy with refugium starter pack I got from algae barn Reply
theresa360 says March 6, 2019 at 4:30 pm I look forward to owning a captive bred Mandarin dragonet one day. Reply
Robert says March 6, 2019 at 7:28 pm it’s a beautiful fish I got mine a long time a go when you had to get on the algeabarn webpage and order and paid within 5 minutes or they were all sold Reply
Taryn says March 6, 2019 at 9:36 pm Always loved these fish. Been peeping my tank for one since it takes awhile. Would be awesome to win;-) Reply
Drjhav says March 6, 2019 at 9:55 pm Very interested to see how the captive bred fish compare to their wild caught counterparts Reply
Toby Zahn says March 7, 2019 at 7:38 am Beautiful fish, make sure you have an established population of pods to feed them, from Algae Barn of course. Reply
Jeff Britman says March 7, 2019 at 9:18 am Such a neat fish. I love that they can be breed in captivity Reply
Simon Tan says March 7, 2019 at 10:15 pm The last fish on my stock list, and I think my tank is ready! Reply
Alexandra Hawley says March 8, 2019 at 7:41 am I love reading the articles on here as they provide such great information especially for beginners! The mandarins are awesome! Reply
Rhonda Swetnam says March 8, 2019 at 2:19 pm This is my DREAM fish! Love Algae Barn; your pods are great as are your urchins and macro algae! Your customer service is A+++ You guys are the best! Thanks so much for putting on this contest! Good luck everyone! Reply
Rhonda Swetnam says March 8, 2019 at 2:37 pm Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this amazing fish! You rock Algae Barn!! Reply
Priscilla says March 8, 2019 at 4:44 pm After 10+ years of having a saltwater tank I think I’m finally ready to try a mandarin. Their private tank is up and running just waiting on them! Reply
Scott Weinrich says March 8, 2019 at 6:22 pm These mandarins are so much easier to feed than the those wild caught. I love supporting captive breeding g! Reply
Michael Lawrence says March 9, 2019 at 3:32 am Great fish addition to a Mature Reef Tank able to support their nutritional needs long term. After 4 years my 210 has a diverse population of copepods, Amphipods and mysis shrimp within the display and constantly being delivered to the whole system through the Refugium tank connected remotely to the main tank. I as well as my tank are ready for Mandarin additions from Algae Barn. Reply
Jon Flesher says March 9, 2019 at 6:16 am I am new to the saltwater hobby, but as soon as I saw that these mandarin hobbies were something I can have in my aquarium I knew I had to have one. Reply
Tyler says March 9, 2019 at 7:15 am Stunning fish and I love supporting captive breeding programs Reply
Kyle hirt says March 9, 2019 at 7:55 am Will give my hand at breeding these if I can get spawninging to occur Reply
Kyle hirt says March 9, 2019 at 7:56 am Would love to attempt culturing these but before I can do that I need a pair of them Reply
Jackie Gerardi says March 9, 2019 at 9:36 am Mandarins are my favorite fish by far. I hope to win a pair to join my seahorse tank ❤️?? Reply
Taryn says March 9, 2019 at 10:42 am I have always wanted to keep these fish! Getting ready to finally be able to:-) Reply
Courtney says March 10, 2019 at 6:41 am Most beautiful fish out there. I can’t wait for my tank to be ready for my first mandarin. ❤️❤️ Reply
April Anderson says March 10, 2019 at 4:45 pm Gorgeous Biota Mandarin. AlgaeBarn pods make feeding so easy. Reply
Angela Siddons says March 10, 2019 at 6:06 pm I have one of these. Incredibly beautiful and one of my favorites to watch. The colors are spectacular, and it’s got a great personality. It follows a finger, and it a huge hit with kids! Reply
daniellenseymour says March 10, 2019 at 6:15 pm Mandarin’s are what drew me to reef tanks, I’ve been slowly growing a pod population to sustain them and am pretty much ready to go. I love these gorgeous fish. Reply
William Wahl says March 10, 2019 at 8:04 pm I love algaebarn! Best in the buisness of pods and algae and other reef stuff! Reply
acof04 says March 11, 2019 at 12:01 pm Beautiful fish. I have a red dragonet and would love to have this pair. Reply
acof04 says March 11, 2019 at 12:03 pm Great, I have a red dragonet and would love to have this pair. Great site. Reply
Andrew says March 11, 2019 at 12:32 pm Hopefully the captive bred are easier to feed it would be great for the hobby, and open it up to the more inexperienced hobbyist. Reply
Brandon says March 11, 2019 at 1:57 pm This is great new’s and congratulation’s to Biota and everyone involved in captive breeding fish. Look forward to seeing more species in the future so that we can reduce our impact on the ocean. Reply
Peter says March 11, 2019 at 4:20 pm The whole reason I started a reef tank after keeping freshwater for so long. Reply
Sean Fowler says March 11, 2019 at 4:44 pm Captive bred mandarins are the right step towards a more sustainable hobby! Reply
Dan Jansen says March 11, 2019 at 5:20 pm These are my families favorite fish. It is hard to pry my daughter away from any tank that has one. Reply
Wayde Clark says March 11, 2019 at 5:22 pm Easily think these are one of the most beautiful type of fish for an aquarium. The vibrant colors and the way they swim around the bottom of the tank is just so mesmerizing to watch. Reply
Don Newell says March 11, 2019 at 5:22 pm Mandarins are amazing super happy that you are selling captive bred ones Reply
Dan says March 11, 2019 at 5:24 pm These should only be captive bred. Beautiful fish and it would be sad if they were wiped out in nature. Reply
Dan says March 11, 2019 at 5:26 pm Great fish. These should only be captive bred. Beautiful fish and it would be sad if they were wiped out in nature. Reply
Chris Becerra says March 11, 2019 at 8:44 pm I think this is maxing you guys are the best thanks for the opportunity Reply
Mandy Deal says March 11, 2019 at 11:17 pm Love the colors! Tank is now mature enough for them. Reply
esuddendorf says March 12, 2019 at 5:41 am The first fish i wanted for my tank. Thanks for selling great pods so I can keep this wonderful fish. Reply
JAMIE RAYOS says March 12, 2019 at 9:10 am The most beautiful fish in the world. Differently a must for an well seasoned tank Reply
Toby Zahn says March 12, 2019 at 9:53 am Mandarins are beautiful, BUT get your phyto and pods from ALGAE BARN first… Reply
Jeff Britman says March 12, 2019 at 10:24 pm The first fish that I fell in love with! Absolutely stunning. Reply
Robert Espinosa says March 13, 2019 at 5:17 am Mandarins are an awesome addition to any reef tank. Would love to win these pairs. Thanks Algae barn for the opportunity. Reply
slaterjames94 says March 13, 2019 at 11:31 am The manderin is the prettiest fish out there hands down Reply
Josh says March 13, 2019 at 1:23 pm They are one of my top three fish I want to own. Mandarins are so beautiful. I have been dosing my tank with pods to be able to get one. Reply
Michael Turner says March 14, 2019 at 5:06 am Gorgeous fish – I’ve had my eye on one of these for a while! Reply
Lauren Butler says March 14, 2019 at 3:11 pm They’re such beautiful fish. Thank you for doing a giveaway! Reply
Joshua Benson says March 14, 2019 at 8:40 pm The mandarin is one of my top 3 fish. I want one really badly. Reply
Scott andrews says March 16, 2019 at 8:39 am This is definitely gonna be our next addition to the tank! Reply
Jeanette says March 17, 2019 at 6:15 am I can’t wait to stock up on pods so I can keep these beauties Reply
Erin says March 17, 2019 at 8:40 am Madarin’s are my favorite saltwater fish. I’m so glad that they’re being bred captively now and have more of a fighting chance of surviving in tanks now. Reply
jarwei.chen says March 18, 2019 at 9:25 am lovely fish and hopefully one day I can have my own pair Reply
Jennifer Cook says March 18, 2019 at 12:10 pm Mandarins are very beautiful in color, don’t be fooled by their looks. They are very teritoral. Having a pair would be a blessing. Reply
Kyle says March 18, 2019 at 2:50 pm Mandarins have some of the most vibrant colors, and have the most interesting behavior. That would do well in my aquarium I’m sure. Reply
Chris becerra says March 18, 2019 at 8:08 pm Great article I love the gray work you guys put in Reply
Meghan says March 18, 2019 at 8:14 pm I made a special song for the mandarins above. It didn’t capture in the contest points so here I am again Reply
Bobby says March 19, 2019 at 9:54 am These little guys are the whole reason i got into this hobby. They are so beautiful. Reply
Jeff Dick says March 19, 2019 at 3:31 pm I love this contest and all these articles. So much information! 🙂 Reply
Alexandra Hawley says March 20, 2019 at 11:21 am Our captive bred mandarin from Algae Barn has done so well in our tank! Reply
Lori Flammger says March 20, 2019 at 6:18 pm Now that Algae Barn has Biota mandarins I feel much more comfortable getting one. Reply
Compy Ginorio says March 20, 2019 at 7:43 pm Mandarins are one of my favorite fish, I never got the opportunity to have one and because of their difficult to care back then, make me step back. But this days with the captive breeds and with the accessibility to pods. I will love to enjoy them in my DT. Reply
Chris says March 20, 2019 at 9:33 pm We have always loved mandarins. Our our 250gal reef is now 2 years old and would love to add a pair of them! Reply
Neil Drury says March 24, 2019 at 5:14 pm The Mandarin is the fish that got me into saltwater aquariums about 32 years ago. Reply
Chris Becerra says March 25, 2019 at 8:06 am It’s super important to have a lot of rock thanks you alas barn for the pointers on how to successfully keep a fish like this the color and the Reuter’s of the fish are do to what they eat thanks !!! Reply
Linh Nguyen says March 25, 2019 at 3:25 pm These articles are great! Informative and honest about the care required for keeping Mandarins Reply
Richard says March 25, 2019 at 5:18 pm I’ve been out of the hobby for a few years and now just getting back into it and now the green mandarin are Going to be the next fish I get Reply
Victoria says March 25, 2019 at 9:17 pm I’ve had my first Mandarin for a year next month. They are beautiful fish & one of the main reasons I got into the hobby. I did alot of research before purchasing my first one & seeded my tank with Algae Barn pods months before I brought her home. I’m also careful about not putting too many other pod eaters in the same tank. Over time, I’ve also been able to get my Mandarins to eat live baby brine shrimp, vitamin enriched live adult brine shrimp, salmon eggs, frozen mysis & frozen bloodworms. Reply
Amie Holmes says March 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm These guys will definitely be spoiled in our fish world! Soo interesting! Reply
Jeff Britman says March 31, 2019 at 10:36 am Such an iconic fish, I love that they are able to be bred in captivity now. Reply
jul.ignacio says March 31, 2019 at 12:57 pm I love my Biota Mandarin Dragonet. It is such a beauty and the colors are really vivid. I’m so excited to see him grow out. Reply
tmgarcia70 says September 3, 2019 at 1:56 pm Hi! I am getting my tank setup for a mandarin. Once I go through tje cycle process when should I start adding pods to build up the numbers? Reply
greg.chernoff says September 11, 2019 at 8:05 am You want to be sure your chemistry is stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5-10 nitrate. At that point it should be prime time to add pods, phyto, and your first fish! Reply
Daniel Johnson says August 18, 2020 at 2:22 am What are the best kinds of Copepods for a reef system? Reply
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