ID this fish?

Hey guys my tank is about a month into the cycle. Amonia 0, Nitrite 1ppm, Nitrate 20ppm. While I was at work today my father went out to the LFS and bought this little guy along with 2 hermit crabs. I am a little upset as the tank wasn't ready but I guess I will make the most of it and try to keep it alive. Can anybody tell me what kind of fish it is? The LFS doesn't label anything and he had no idea what it was. Looks like a goby of sorts, does this need I will need to spent alot of money on copeopods to keep him alive?

 

Not a goby, a scooter dragonette. Eats pods and care is very much the same as a mandarin. I had one for a couple years, I got lucky and was able to get him on frozen foods, but he was never really "healthy" (fat) looking.

 

given your scenario, I would probably try to take it back - although I wonder about your LFS in terms of their ability to keep it - shouldn't have sold it to your dad. I know you want to keep it because it was a gift but I'm sure your dad will understand.....

 

I'd have to agree with oldfishkeeper. If possible, try to bring him back. They can be hard at times to keep alive esp in a tank so immature. It becomes easier if the tank is established and has replenishing pods but still can be challenging even then. Iv heard many stories of people getting them to switch to prepared foods but iv never had any luck with that....although I do have the same fish in my tank now and has been thriving for 8+months. HTH

 

I'd consider a new LFS if they have "mystery fish" (you said they don't label anything), and can't tell you what they are, which means they can't advise you on your purchases.

I agree with everyone, unless it's already eating prepared foods (based on its degree of emaciation, I suspect not), return it.

JM .02...