Will a mandarin dragonet eat baby brine shrimp?

It's highly unlikely that a mandarin dragonet will eat baby brine shrimp. Here's why:

* Size: Mandarin dragonets have very small mouths and are primarily adapted to feeding on copepods, which are tiny crustaceans. Baby brine shrimp, while small, are still significantly larger than copepods.

* Diet: Mandarin dragonets are specialized feeders, relying heavily on copepods found in live rock and sand. Their feeding behavior is more focused on picking at the substrate rather than actively pursuing prey.

* Difficulty of Capture: The size and nature of the dragonet's mouth makes it difficult to capture larger prey like baby brine shrimp.

What to feed a mandarin dragonet:

* Live Copepods: This is the most natural and ideal food source for mandarins.

* Frozen Copepods: A good alternative, but ensure they're high quality and thawed properly.

* Live Brine Shrimp: Though not ideal, baby brine shrimp can be offered in small amounts as a supplement, especially if coping with a limited copepod supply.

Important Note: Never force-feed a mandarin dragonet.

Always consult with a reputable aquarium expert or your local fish store for the most accurate and personalized advice regarding feeding your mandarin dragonet.