Bangai Cardinals

[Gooseman]

I purchased 4 cardinals a month ago and 2 of them paired up right away and started chasing off the other 2 ... now i have one that is brooding at the mouth and not eating ... hasnt for about 4 days now and is hiding some ... i know this is typical when the are carrying eggs ... but i am not sure what to expect when the young hatch ... i am worried that my 3 shrimp and/or sally lightfoot may eat them as they are so small ... does anyone have any experience with these fish :question: what can i do to help the offspring survive?

 

[cgoodman381]

All the babies will die and the brooding baingaii stands a chance at dieing off as well.

The only possible way they would live is if you had an urchin in your tank and you would be able to target feed them live brine. (most likely all they would eat) as well as smaller foods. (not sure?? some sort of pods?) Either that or try and put them into a seperate tank as they will be snacks for your other fish, including the other bangaii.

I dont have direct experiance with bangaiis, but my brooding pajama died either from not eating or because its jaw became messed up.

 

[Gooseman]

i have heard that the babies liked urchins ... especially long tentacle ones ... but are they safe for my reef ... i have never had one before

 

[cgoodman381]

ummmmmmmmm some say yes some say no... Generally long spined black urchins are ok, but you have to have a glass tank. They will also munch on your coraline... till its gone.

 

[dustin_P74]

urchins should be reef safe, i know yote has one in his tank

 

[cthegame]

I doubt its because of eggs if you only had them for a month. Are they all getting along or just 2 of them?

 

[cgoodman381]

I doubt its because of eggs if you only had them for a month. Are they all getting along or just 2 of them?

huh? talking about them not eating?

 

[reeffreak]

Maybe reading this may help you some.I have read that the male must be separated or the other banggai(as well as other fish) might eat them.Congratulations and good luck!

http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dy...naveral/Hangar/6279/RaiseBanggaiCardinal.html

 

[Gooseman]

thanks ... i guess its hit or miss ... i just have to wing it

 

[Bifferwine]

Others are right, the babies will not survive anything else in the tank unless they are isolated. Good luck, and post pics!

 

[Gooseman]

i will if i can save them ... first i have to catch the one holding the eggs and then transfer it to a hospital tank ... gonna be tricky

 

[Gooseman]

OK ... i have some bad news ... the male is still not eating and so i am not sure if he is currently carrying or not but i just watched another dance by a 2nd female with the male and BAM :!: out popped another egg sack ... unfortunately she dropped it right over the top of my anemone and well you guessed it they became a high protein meal :cry: now i know that they are trying to mate i will have to keep a closer eye on things ... i still dont know even if they do mate if i can even catch the one holding the eggs ... anyone have any suggestions on that?

 

[ccCapt]

In case no one was aware, the Banggai's are a IUCN Red List endangered species. It would be awesome if you can raise the young.
You can do some reading at WetWebMedia on banggai breeding to see if you can find some helpful info.

Good luck :)

 

[dustin_P74]

i would say set up a separate tank now just for them so they can breed in peace

 

[Gooseman]

ccCapt that is some good reading info Thanks! dustin i have begun to assemble a small tank for them ... i have the sponge seeding in my DT sump right now ... i just hope i wont have to permanently keep them in the isolation tank because of breeding ... but will do what ever is best for the fish i suspect ... this is a huge learning experience for me ... never been a fish daddy before

 

[yote]

Capt,You keep posting links like that,and my favorites thingymabob is going to full.
Great sites.

Gooseman,If you can raise the fry.You maybe able to at least support your tank.
Good luck with them.

 

[Gooseman]

i will try and Yote your right it will help fund my tank but i am a rookie at this fish raising business ... it may take me some time to get it right .. i only hope my fish will be as patient with me ... i will have to keep you guys posted during this on going saga ... LOL ... if i am able i will post some pictures along the way

 

[reeffreak]

I want pics of the babies.I might even buy some from you when the times comes.

Curious,How many adults do you have?

 

[Gooseman]

i have 4 adults 3 female 1 male

 

[reeffreak]

Okay,he's a pimp then.Well maybe not since he has to raise the babies.