Banggai Cardinalfish

[farid2544]

So I don't think I am ready to try and raise baby clowns yet. Now I've noticed that my Banggai Cardinals are breeding too. Today is day one. My question is has anyone taken the male holding the clutch out before they hatch and put into a breeding pen or does everyone just wait for them to hatch and then catch them?:rockon:

 

[Thefishcouple]

Best if you leave the male alone. If you stess him out he may swallow his eggs or spit themout. He will be fine in you main tank, no one will bother him. When he is ready to release the babies you will know. It should be 25 - 30 days from when he recieved the eggs from the female. When they are ready he will bearly be able to contain themin his mouth. When that night comes turn off all the lights and return pumps. He will start to release them 1 2 or 3 at a time every once and a while. The little guys will come swimming out away from the reef, not sure where they think they are going. You can catch them one at a time with a soft net and place them in a grow out net. Makes for a long night with a flash light. We have come up with abetter way now. When he release them they are fully devloped and will take newly hatched brrine shrimp. They are pretty easy to raise, the only problem we have had is getting themoff of live food and onto prepared foods. Some do without any problems it seeems a few just wont. I tried to upload a picture but could not, we are on our 9th batch.

 

[farid2544]

Is there a time of the day that he is more likely to release the babies or is it random?

 

[Thefishcouple]

As with most fish he will release them after lights out. Ours usually start 30 to 60 minutes after dark.

 

[spieszak]

If its the first time he's held, don't be too disappointed if he doesn't carry them to 'term'.... At least from all I've read, they sometimes need a little practice before they get it right.
I'll be anxious to see how he/you do with it. Its awesome when they are happy enough to breed in a tank, its such a great sign you are doing things right!

 

[farid2544]

Thank you you guys. This is the first time. Hopefully the next batches I will be able save some of them.