How to improve the sex life of my mandarin

[Fluxcore]

I'm on the verge of releasing this mandarin into my tank, but I'm hoping someone can offer some insight beforehand. I know it's a long shot, but I'm willing to try. If it turns out to be a male, I'd rather not have to deal with the hassle of catching it and potentially putting my other mandarin at risk.

I'm anticipating the inevitable "Mandarin Lecture," so let me preface this by saying I've got three 10-gallon tanks dedicated to copepod cultures, and my current mandarin has been eating frozen food without issue. This "girl" has also been taking frozen food from me at the LFS where I work, so I'm fairly confident I've got the necessary setup in place to support her.

Thanks in advance for any advice or guidance you can offer.

[kodarix8]

Confirmed, that's a female. She does look a bit underweight, so you'll definitely need to get some meat on her bones.

[Fluxcore]

Thanks, I was hoping that was the case. My male was pretty thin when I first got him too, but he's filled out a bit since then - still not exactly plump, but he looks healthy at least.

I've also got a pair of Reidi in the same tank, by the way. We might've already discussed this about the seahorses though, haha.

[guppywave]

Came close to thinking I'd landed on the wrong forum for a second there, just from the title alone.

[Fluxcore]

Came close to thinking I'd landed on the wrong forum for a second there, just from the title alone.

You lot getting all worked up? Think I'm sharing some high-end Askento4 pics or something? lol

[guppywave]

I'm on the verge of releasing this mandarin into my tank, but I'm hoping someone can offer some insight beforehand. I know it's a long shot, but I'm willing to try. If it turns out to be a male, I'd rather not have to deal with the hassle of catching it and potentially putting my other mandarin at risk.

I'm anticipating the inevitable "Mandarin Lecture," so let me preface this by saying I've got three 10-gallon tanks dedicated to copepod cultures, and my current mandarin has been eating frozen food without issue. This "girl" has also been taking frozen food from me at the LFS where I work, so I'm fairly confident I've got the necessary setup in place to support her.

Thanks in advance for any advice or guidance you can offer.

Got you all riled up, did I. Hot stuff, huh? lol. Anyway, I'm off to wake the wife.

[Fluxcore]

They're going at it, displaying at each other - is this something to be worried about, or do male/female pairs do this too?

I'm getting a bit anxious, the new one seems to have a tiny dorsal spine, and I'm having trouble finding a good pic of a female to compare.

[kodarix8]

They do display to each other, I'm pretty sure. I've heard that's a thing they do. Everytime I glance at my Reidi, she's displaying to me, too.

[BoldVoy]

Mandarins do display to each other, even pairs. I've seen some vids on YouTube of their mating courtship, just type in Mandarin and you'll find a few.

[Lunoxe]

Mandarin's are a stunning species. If I'm being honest, they're the one reason I'd consider a marine setup.