Mandarins: How fat is fat?

[esmithiii]

I have had my mandarin for a couple months in my 180G. He seems to be getting enough to eat from my pod population, but lately there seems to be not as many pods as before (there are still tons of them, but now not every square inch is covered as before). How can I tell if it is getting enough to eat? I have offered him other food (brine and mysis shrimp) but as I expected, he turns it down.

Anyone with any experience here? How about photos? What should I look for if he is not getting enough to eat?

E

 

[houston]

This picture doesn't show it well, but they should have a full 'backstrap' muscle starting behind their head and running along their back in addition to full 'bellies'. Don't be fooled by the female - she can be packed with eggs which gives the appearance of a full stomach while not getting enough to eat! Look for a fullness along the entire underside, full muscle development on their backs, and fullness behind the eyes/head. There should be only a sweep down and back up into the backstrap muscle and no appearance of a bony depression behind the eyes.

[ January 19, 2002: Message edited by: houston ]</p>

 

[esmithiii]

Thanks. I will try to post an image when I can catch him napping.

E