Help My Mandarin

[Jim Tansey]

I have had my Mandarin for about three weeks it's not eating and looking thin, the tank has been set up for over a year and has some pods but maybe not enough. He lookes to be interested when I feed the other fish but will not touch the regular array of frozen and dry foods, I can't find any Tobiko, any suggestions to get him to start feeding.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[KAS]

Jim,
I can't really help you except to suggest trying a japanese/sushi restaurant for some tobiko. I will be very expensive that way but it might carry you through until you can get to a japanese market somewhere (maybe Boston after the Dec. 11 mtg).

 

[~Flighty~]

Did you try frozen mysis? sometimes that looks more alive to the fish. Something live like brine shrimp just to get him going. frozen cyclopseze might be worth a try. Or do you have a refugium with more pods you could stick him into for a while?

 

[dedfish]

Some stores sell live mysis shrimp maybe that would interest him.

 

[reefsmurf]

Sometimes they'll eat live brine. soak in selcon, gently put into near him with turkey baster.

 

[~Flighty~]

Some stores sell live mysis shrimp maybe that would interest him.

Anyone know where to get these? Can you propogate them in a fuge enought to fed your fish?

 

[Piscevore]

I'm sure anyone would gladly throw him in their fuge to let him hang out and get his eat on for a few weeks.

 

[~Flighty~]

I wonder how he would handle an acclimation to new water at this point though.

Maybe just get some pod filled macro from someone and stick it in your tank.

 

[Greg Hiller]

I agree on the live brine. Frozen mysis might work too. Tricky to move a weak fish.

 

[dedfish]

I think Skiptons had live mysis...maybe it was brine...I'll tell you what I'll go there right now and check. I need something to do for lunch.

 

[starrfish]

Jim - doesn't Cape Maid have live brine? I heard there was a Trader Joe's at Exit 5 (I'm actually not sure if they are open yet). If they are open, I think they have tobiko. You might want to give them a call. Also, there is a Japanese restaurant on 28 in Hyannis (right before the Cape Cod Melody Tent). I'm sure they would sell you a small cup of tobiko.

Daire

 

[Casino]

How do you feed Tobiko? What is it?

 

[starrfish]

They are little orange fish eggs that taste very yummy on sushi!

 

[dedfish]

It's definetly live brine that Skiptons carries. I'm seeing things again. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Casino]

They are little orange fish eggs that taste very yummy on sushi!

So does this come dry, frozen, in water or sauce. Feed like a teaspoon or something to the tank?

 

[NateHanson]

Casino, I think it's a trick particularly for feeding mandarins who are not adapting to prepared foods, or getting enough to eat in the way of live 'pods. I believe it comes semi-fresh, chilled and salted for preservation. Not sure how much to feed for your mandarin.

Jim, if you have trouble finding it a quick google turned up this site
http://chefmatisse.com/website/supplies/tobiko.htm
They sell it by the pound and ship overnight.

 

[fawkes027]

Cape Maid sells live brine. I'm not sure if Marco's place does.

 

[~Flighty~]

I bet a lot of people would be interested in splitting up a pound or two.

 

[denvig]

I bet a lot of people would be interested in splitting up a pound or two.

That just dosen't sound right for a Boston Reefer

 

[starrfish]

So does this come dry, frozen, in water or sauce. Feed like a teaspoon or something to the tank?

It's fresh fish eggs - like caviar. I think I would mix a little with some tank water, take a turkey baster and squirt some near the fish.