Bangaai cardinal carrying fry?

[duncaholic]

A little backround. These two have been in my frag tank four 4 +/- months. I got them from a LFS and they were sharing a tank at 1.5" - 1.75" so I was hoping they would be cool together. They took to the tank and each other well, but I couldn't really notice much difference in the jaw line to indicate sex. I don't spend much time looking at these guys as they have always seemed happy, and are just in there awaiting a move to my 90g display. But last night (I didn't have to ework today :dance: ) I fed DE mysis after lights out. The female gorged herself and while the male ran at the food, he wouldn't eat. A closer examination this A.M. revealed what appeared to be a large bulge in his mouth. I have no experience, so I'm not sure whethyer he's carrying or just maturing. What do you think.

Thanks in advance for all responses!!!

 

[FMarini]

yup-congrats, the male has the classic "bulldog" appearance. He's carrying eggs
feel free to catch up on all your reading now

Notes and observations on Raising and Breeding the Banggai Cardinalfish (1996)
http://www.breedersregistry.org/Articles/v4_i4_marini/marini.htm

Frank Marini, "Captive care and Breeding of the Banggai cardinal (1997)
http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/f_marini_020799.html

FAQ on Banggai Cardinals (1996)
http://www.reefs.org/library/article/f_marini.html

Keith Clarke, "The Joys of Tank Raised Banggai Cardinalfish (1997)
http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/k_clarke_102499.html

 

[duncaholic]

Great links! Thanks. Just started my reading...so I've got a lot of work to do. I posted close up pics of the male and the female so I was wondering if any Bangaai enthuasiasts would give me their opinion on how long I might have. I really haven't been paying attention to their feedings, so I don't know when he stopped taking food. Thanks!

 

[FMarini]

when you read any of those links- you'll learn that the male will hold on average 21 days, so from that date of his last meal-- start counting

 

[duncaholic]

Thanks FMarini but I don't know when he stopped eating. I read all thoses links, and that's some great info. I know that they stated several times that when I could see a red sack or baby eyes peeping out his mouth that would be near day 18. I know it's hard to tell from pics, but I was just hoping. I won't be ready if he's showing peepers tommorow, so I guess I'll just get the set-up done as quick as I can.

 

[edandsandy]

WOW what an honor to have FMarini comment on your thread :thumbsup:
Take the advise and :reading: :reading: :reading:

 

[FMarini]

the pleasure is all mine...
even after 15yrs, it still exciting to read that new people want to try and breed this fish.
makes me warm & fuzzy


Also here is a very through overview on banggai breeding, sexing, and fry raising all in one place.
(http://www.marinebreeder.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=166&t=1851)

 

[edandsandy]

EXCELLENT Reading!

 

[duncaholic]

man my eyes are getting tired! I had no idea how much research this would take, but I have a tenative plan for the first batch should he carry to term. I shot a video in HD that I am posting. It shows a cool shot of the eggs in his mouth. So tommorow after work, I'll be starting my set-up, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll update once the set-up is complete. And thanks for pointing me in the right direction. The 411 has been incredible helpfull.

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[olsenshouse]

good luck, I hope mine do the same!

 

[duncaholic]

pics which might help others sex bangaai. These are from today. I'll try to get a better shot of the female's vent spikes tommorow. They are much more difficult to see/photograph.

 

[duncaholic]

Bad news looks like the male ate the clutch. First time I guess not totally unexpected, but I'm wondering whether having a mature pair of Darwins in there was too much for them? Should I isolate them in a private tank? I've got a 29g with a HOB only. Could set that up, or just plumb a 20G high into the same system and separate them out there? Any comments appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

My male has eaten all four clutches overnight on day 5 of holding eggs. He was always very well fed before, so I don't think he was starving, and I tried to leave them alone and be quiet around the tank so that I didn't startle him or stress him. I don't know why he's doing it, but I think next time I will pull the eggs and incubate them artificially.
Bryan