How to Care for Mandarin Fish

Mandarin fish are known for their bright blue or green bodies, which are covered with orange, green or blue wavy lines. These fish require an established reef tank with properly regulated water temperature and salinity levels in order to survive. One of the biggest issues in caring for these fish is that they can be difficult to feed; finding the right combination of food that they will eat can be challenging.

Things You'll Need

  • Reef tank
  • 50 pounds live rock per fish
  • Thermometer
  • Damp cloth
  • Hydrometer
  • Deionized water
  • Aquarium salt mix
  • Live brine shrimp
  • Live black worms
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the mandarin fish into a reef tank containing at least 50 pounds of established live rock per fish. Add the fish only in tanks that have been running for at least six months.

    • 2

      Place a thermometer in the tank and maintain a constant water temperature in the tank between 76 and 82 F. Check the water temperature at least once per week to ensure it is in the correct range. Move the tank to a warm, bright area that is out of direct sunlight if the temperature falls below the desired range.

    • 3

      Unplug the water pump and clean it if it becomes clogged or encrusted with debris. Unplug the light fixture and wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any buildup of algae or debris. Properly working water pumps and light fixtures will keep the tank clean and the water aerated. Check your tank at least once per week to make sure the water pump and light fixture are working.

    • 4

      Submerge the hydrometer in the tank to check the salinity of the water. The ratio should be between 1.023 and 1.026. Check the salinity regularly to ensure the ratio stays within this range. If the reading is below this range, add an aquarium salt mixture at the rate described on the package. Add additional deionized water to the tank if the reading is higher than recommended to dilute the saltwater in the tank.

    • 5

      Cluster together rocks at the bottom of the tank. Place live brine shrimp and live black worms in the crevices of the rocks once or twice a day. The live food will act as a supplement to the polyps, amphipods and isopods growing on the live rock in the tank.