I have a spotted mandarin (spotty, called by my girls) that has been plodding around the tank for a while eating cope's off the rock. Today, I fed my home made food and wathced as he gobbled up several pieces that had settled near the sand bed. This is was the coolest thing! I have been told that it is tough to get them to eat prepared foods. hmm, maybe i'll get that red mandarin I have had my eye on....