The lazy college coed....
Spheramia nematoptera
....otherwise known as the pajama cardinalfish. I have to laugh every time I get a call for service in the south end of my district. Half of the area contains the north edge of Depaul University. Very expensive private school where during week nights you can see mainly coeds going to the White Hen with "pajama bottom" pants on. I always get the same reply "I was too lazy...". These wonderful nano-reef fish, boldly parade their off-beat color schemes. Very similar in shape to it's Banggai cousin, the big difference is it looks like you're getting three fish for the price of one. Whitish tail usually with red spots, a blackish mid-line stripe and yellowed head with red eyes. What isn't there not to like about this genetic freakshow:badgrin: . Hardy and nearly newbie proof, still needs proper acclimation into QT before entrance to the display. Meaty foods, try introducing lifeline herbivore and or ON's formula 2 to get marine veggies into their system. I found a good way to do this is DO NOT feed for a day and a half. Mince both products down to mouth sized portions and drop in one or two at a time. Watch what your fish does with the food. If they spit it back out and ignore it, try another time.
These cardinals are less skittish but not the most aggressive eaters. If you are in the fish planning stage, you may consider this a first occupant if you want a more aggressive tank mate, otherwise they may be in for problems which will eventually lead to starvation, disease and eventual demise. Reef harmless (look at my previous disclaimer) and just a fascinating subject.
Next up....the pitbulls of the nano-world, the damsel.
Spheramia nematoptera
....otherwise known as the pajama cardinalfish. I have to laugh every time I get a call for service in the south end of my district. Half of the area contains the north edge of Depaul University. Very expensive private school where during week nights you can see mainly coeds going to the White Hen with "pajama bottom" pants on. I always get the same reply "I was too lazy...". These wonderful nano-reef fish, boldly parade their off-beat color schemes. Very similar in shape to it's Banggai cousin, the big difference is it looks like you're getting three fish for the price of one. Whitish tail usually with red spots, a blackish mid-line stripe and yellowed head with red eyes. What isn't there not to like about this genetic freakshow:badgrin: . Hardy and nearly newbie proof, still needs proper acclimation into QT before entrance to the display. Meaty foods, try introducing lifeline herbivore and or ON's formula 2 to get marine veggies into their system. I found a good way to do this is DO NOT feed for a day and a half. Mince both products down to mouth sized portions and drop in one or two at a time. Watch what your fish does with the food. If they spit it back out and ignore it, try another time.
These cardinals are less skittish but not the most aggressive eaters. If you are in the fish planning stage, you may consider this a first occupant if you want a more aggressive tank mate, otherwise they may be in for problems which will eventually lead to starvation, disease and eventual demise. Reef harmless (look at my previous disclaimer) and just a fascinating subject.
Next up....the pitbulls of the nano-world, the damsel.
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