Are Copepods Necessary for a Mandarin Dragonet?
Care Feb 23, 2026

Are Copepods Necessary for a Mandarin Dragonet?

Quick Answer

Mandarins thrive with abundant live copepods and periodic reseeding.

For most mandarins, yes—live pods are the most reliable long-term food source.

Keep Pods Available

  • Seed with live copepod cultures
  • Maintain low-predation refuge areas
  • Replenish pods regularly in smaller tanks

Use the ReefBay app to track feeding response and body condition.

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Track Your Reef Tank Parameters

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