breeding cardinals in presence of other fish species

[sharky_steve]

I've recently added a few small tank-raised bangaiis to my 55 gal tank. they're doing great and I've got them eating a number of different food items. the only other fish in the tank are a mated pair of clarkiis, which are obviously territorial. they don't harrass the cardinals too much, but will chase them a little when them come near the nest. my qustion is will the cardinals still mate in the presence of the clowns, or should I give them their own tank? i should also mention that the current tank has plenty of places for them to hide should they ever feel too threatened by the clowns. thanks!

 

[mwp]

Steve, my Bangaii's mate in a 24 gallon that currently also includes a breeding pair of Greenbanded Gobies, a breeding trio of Apogon leptacanthus, a female mandarinsfish, a male red scooter blenny, and a mated pair of Firefish. Including my pair of Bangaii's that's 11 fish. At it's peak there was also a breeding trio of Apogon margaritophorus, bringing the total to 14 fish. The bangaii's grew up in this group and started spawning at that time.

Now, my bangaii male refuses to hold his eggs for more than a day or two - the only fish they interact with are the Threadfin/Longspine/Glass/BlueStreak Cardinalfish (A. leptacanthus. This group may have to be moved before I'll see brooding success in my bangaiis, or it may be something totally unrelated as I've seen them successfully brood in community tanks many times.

Matt

 

[Fairy Wrassler]

My banggais breed in a 150g community tank with clowns, many fairies, Apogon melas, firefish etc etc. They breed regularly and consistently (on their 5th batch now) and seem quite happy in there whether he is carrying eggs or not.

Best of luck with them. They are fabulous to breed