[lacybiker2000]

Hi, I have a mandarin, I've been trying to find a source for copepods for him, or somehow to raise my own. I've come across something called a water flea or Daphnia. Would this be an acceptable food source? Thanks

[lynnvangsnes]

I cannot answer about the water fleas. You can buy copepods and even raise your own in a mason jar on the window sill.
I believe Saltwaterfish.com has 200 pods for like 7-8 dollars + shipping. If this is a new tank, your mandarin is going to starve unless you get him some pods.

[conjre]

I would use Daphnia as a secondary food source as they don't have everything you need in a primary. I would just stick with the copepods as it'll probably be easier.

[DoLceNBeLLa]

Daphnia is freshwater I think, which isn't that big of a deal because people use freshwater feeder shrimp all the time...BUT you'd have to check and see if the nutrition content is close enough. In the mean time, run out and by some copepods so that the mandarin stays fat at happy.

This one guy (melevsreef.com) had a mandarin "diner" that he places food in that isn't copepods and his two mandarins will gorge themselves. Check the site out.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

: : : : Indo-Pacific Sea Farms : : : : You can find just about any kind of critter for your tak right here.

[lacybiker2000]

I would definately prefer to just feed pods. Now my mandarin was used to eating LBS before I got him, so I supliment with those. The only problem I see with saltwaterfish.com is their minimum $79 on live goods, I can't add any more fish to my tank and don't really have a place to add that many pods 200 X 7 = 1400???. (200 pods = $9.99 with free shipping, but must meet minimum order for live goods [$79.99] + $9.99 surcharge). IPSF was higher though. I really was not looking to spend close to $100 just for pods. Thank y'all for your suggestions, I will keep them in mind if I can't find them elsewhere.