doped by LFS

[jdicu812]

I am new to saltwater and have been doped by the fish store. I bought a mandarin goby about 4 days ago. I was told he would eat prepared foods but have not had much luck. any suggestions? He will run out of pods soon if I don't do something quick. A friend let me have some from her tank but I don't think it will last.

[bautiSTUD73]

You should try to return it to the LFS for credit or something. IM not so familiar with mandarins but i do know they need a fully established tank for the pods and what not.

[twisted]

how long has your tank been set up? these guys eat all day long and you are right, it will starve soon. especially if you just set your tank up. you may get lucky with some frozen mysis or bloodworms but i would recomend returning it and take some time and research and learn as much as you can about the hobby so you are prepared for the misleading choice of words many lfs use. you shouldnt add any fish to your tank for at least 3 months. trust me, read the sticky's in the main page and then read all the threads here about dying fish and corals.....you will understand why its important to follow the guidelines and i promise, you will enjoy your tank for years to come with ALOT less stress good luck!

[leebca]

Mandarin Gobies are such beautiful fish. They are easy to catch in the wild. So many are offered for sale. However, they are not a good first for beginners and even advanced hobbyists should not get involved with keeping them. They are pod eaters and rather 'strict' pod eaters.

This post will explain the problem you face: Pod Eaters - or - Mama Don't Feed Me No Balogna

This would be a good read on what to do: Food Presentation

However, your best bet is to try and get store credit when you return the fish and don't acquire anymore like this.

A careful procedure to acquiring a new fish could avoid these sorts of things in the future. You want to try and refrain from any kind of spontaneous acquisition of a marine lifeform. It's hard to do, I know! Regarding how to acquire a fish, you might find it helpful to follow these guidelines:
Is The Fish Healthy?

[jdicu812]

Thanks so much everyone. My tank has been running for the 3 month period. I started with the little damels just to make sure I could keep SW fish alive. My tank is small 40 Hex so I don't think a reef will do in it. I was going for LR and fish for now. Later, I would like to get a 40+ long and start a reef. For now I am doing my homework and in a year if I want to go reef I will. I am patient so no problem there. In this case I listened to the wrong kind of person (someone with something to sell, lol). A LFS that is in a larger area told me to try mysis, and if it doesn't work and he dies , hard lesson learned. The other place want take him back! I have another friend who has an established tank (7 yrs) and he already has one. Should've asked him first. He may take him form me.