There have been a couple different occasions when our green mandarinfish has turned white and froze where it was. the first time we thought it was dead and then it started to move and swim like normal. it happened right after returning home from being gone for 3 days. we figured it would be fine because our tank has plenty of pods for it to eat. we left the light off the whole time. when we got home i turned the light on to check on him and he was white and not moving... we were about to take it out and flush it when it suddenly got its color back and started swimming as if nothing happened. the next time it appeared to but stuck under a piece of live rock so my husband reached in and lifted the rock to make sure it could get out and that it wasn't dead then it turned white again and froze and stayed that way for about 10 hours. only flapping his fins every now and again. (this was yesterday) and today he is just fine swimming around again like nothing happened... it's so weird, has anyone else experienced this with their green mandarinfish? we asked one of our friends that has one and he has never seen his do it. is it something we should be concerned about?
Green mandarin turning white
- Thread starter jakenerica3910
- Start date
rdahlke1105
I'm a girl.
Defensive mechinism? I have no idea.
rdahlke1105
I'm a girl.
Did a little research and on another site someone stated that this happens when they sleep.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95495
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95495
Bifferwine
I am a girl
That is normal for mandarins. They look weird when they are resting.
oh. wouldn't my friend have seen his do this then? or does only some do this and some don't?
Bifferwine
I am a girl
I don't notice it all the time with my mandarin either. Maybe it's hit or miss? But I don't think it's anything to worry about.
Dana42078
Dana
ive posted about this before. check it out....the first pic in the thread...
https://www.livingreefs.com/night-time-shots-t29745.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/night-time-shots-t29745.html
+1 everyone.
Common and natural. Lots of fish lose their color at night for protection.
Common and natural. Lots of fish lose their color at night for protection.
Last edited:
Mandarin66
Oh Hi
+1 everyone too :3 my mandarin turn white when it goes to sleep or is hungry
wow ok thanks everyone 
Mandarin66
Oh Hi
im making a pod pile when i go home right now im in florida
Who's tending the tank!?! ..............Reefer's motto: No vacation trips, ever. :lol:
Mandarin66
Oh Hi
no one im home now XD my mandarin is still a little fat :3
Mandarin66
Oh Hi
ya i know that lol
Mandarin66
Oh Hi
didnt made my pod pile yet but yes mine get live brine shrimp it only make it fat but not that healthy
brine shrimp = Candy bar
Mysis Shrimp = Milk
brine shrimp = Candy bar
Mysis Shrimp = Milk
Mandarin66
Oh Hi
can i see a picture of yours?
