How many Bangai Cardenals on a 240g?

[kmu]

Hi there,

I have a 3 year old 240g reef tank with 48"x48"x24" dimensions.

I currently have a single Bangai Cardenal (XL in size)

One of my LFS has 5 (med size) in stock and the store owner gave me a very nice deal on all of them. The bangais have been at the store for more than a month so I know they are healthy.

How many more could I add to my reef tank?

THX

 

[rlpardue]

Your tank's dimensions are awesome!

Banggais are trickier than most cardinals when it comes to putting groups into a tank. In a small/medium sized tank (-120g), a male and female dominant pair will form and kill off the other Banggais. (Or banish others to remote corners or behind rocks, etc). You might be able to have 2-3 mated pairs in your tank but probably not more than that.

 

[kmu]

Your tank's dimensions are awesome!

Banggais are trickier than most cardinals when it comes to putting groups into a tank. In a small/medium sized tank (-120g), a male and female dominant pair will form and kill off the other Banggais. (Or banish others to remote corners or behind rocks, etc). You might be able to have 2-3 mated pairs in your tank but probably not more than that.

How could I tell if I have a male or female bangai?

THX

 

[rlpardue]

It's pretty difficult. One way is looking at their "vents" with a magnifying glass. Google "banggai cardinal vent method" for more info - it's difficult though. Another way, which is possible if he's bred before or is very large/mature, is to look at his jaw. It should be "bigger" or "rounder" than a female's.

But the best way is to just put two fish together in a QT and watch them for a couple of hours. If one is hiding in a corner you know you have two of the same sex.

 

[aquaph8]

Bangaii's are better in pairs then groups. If you look close at their underside males have one bump and females have two, look really close cause its kinda hard to see.