tuan
29-06-03, 09:29
http://www.reefhaven.co.uk/fish/bangaii_cardinal.jpg
Common name:
Family: Apogonidae
Other common members: Apogon pseudomaculatus - Two spot cardinal
Apogon maculates - Flame Cardinal
Sphaeramia nematoptera - Pyjama Cardinal
Apogon leptacanthus - Blue Streaked Cardinals
Habitat:
Introduced into the hobby in 1995 at MACNA 7 (Louisville Kentucky), these fish were first discovered in 1933. Bangaii Carninals are primarily found in the mid waters off the remote Bangaii island in the Indonesian archipelago.
Observations have been reported of aggregations of small groups of 2 to 60 animals living among the long spines of sea urchins (diadema).
Captive care: easy/moderate
prefers a tank of at least 20 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.
can grow to about 2-3 inches
carnivorous, likes a variety of meaty treats, and prefers live food
may initially be difficult to get to accept offered foods such as flakes, but eventually learn to eat most things
nocturnal hunter, more active during dark hours foraging for pods
reef safe, peaceful with most tank mates
keep singly, in pairs or in large groups. Territorial fights may occurs
territorial fights may occur.
Breeding:
Unique amongst marine aquarium hobby fish, Bangaii Cardinals are mouth brooding live bearer. It is ironic also that it is even easier to breed and raise these fish in captivity than the common clownfish, and yet the collection pressure for the trade have nearly pushed these fish to the brink of the Endangered Species list.
Life begins for these remarkable fish as red eggs, about 2mm in diameter, carried in a sac by the female in the mouth. When ready, the female releases the eggs, and the male fertilize them and then promptly scoops them up into his mouth. Approximately 20 days later, fully formed fry hatch and continues to be carried by daddy for another 3-4 days.
Safety is sought for the frys in the form of the long sharp spines of sea urchins (Diadema), or the tentacles of sea anemones, as the male finally release them out. Successful breeding and raising of frys in captivity have been frequently reported. Sometimes aquarists have even provided the safe haven of a special sea urchin a-la-cocktail-stick (cocktail sticks or BBQ skewers pinned into a blob of putty). Various levels of success have been reported with different style of feeding, whilst small live food is preferred, enriched frozen fares have also been used successfully.
Further readings:
Articles from Frank Marini, an authority on the captive breeding and raising of these fish
http://www.reefs.org/library/article/f_marini.html
http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us/Art...rini/marini.htm (http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us/Articles/v4_i4_marini/marini.htm)
http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/f_mar...ini_020799.html (http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/f_marini_020799.html)
Past threads:
Searches... (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=77bc077bc4c04e69544385e6c0740a57&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=bangaii+cardinal)
Common name:
Family: Apogonidae
Other common members: Apogon pseudomaculatus - Two spot cardinal
Apogon maculates - Flame Cardinal
Sphaeramia nematoptera - Pyjama Cardinal
Apogon leptacanthus - Blue Streaked Cardinals
Habitat:
Introduced into the hobby in 1995 at MACNA 7 (Louisville Kentucky), these fish were first discovered in 1933. Bangaii Carninals are primarily found in the mid waters off the remote Bangaii island in the Indonesian archipelago.
Observations have been reported of aggregations of small groups of 2 to 60 animals living among the long spines of sea urchins (diadema).
Captive care: easy/moderate
prefers a tank of at least 20 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.
can grow to about 2-3 inches
carnivorous, likes a variety of meaty treats, and prefers live food
may initially be difficult to get to accept offered foods such as flakes, but eventually learn to eat most things
nocturnal hunter, more active during dark hours foraging for pods
reef safe, peaceful with most tank mates
keep singly, in pairs or in large groups. Territorial fights may occurs
territorial fights may occur.
Breeding:
Unique amongst marine aquarium hobby fish, Bangaii Cardinals are mouth brooding live bearer. It is ironic also that it is even easier to breed and raise these fish in captivity than the common clownfish, and yet the collection pressure for the trade have nearly pushed these fish to the brink of the Endangered Species list.
Life begins for these remarkable fish as red eggs, about 2mm in diameter, carried in a sac by the female in the mouth. When ready, the female releases the eggs, and the male fertilize them and then promptly scoops them up into his mouth. Approximately 20 days later, fully formed fry hatch and continues to be carried by daddy for another 3-4 days.
Safety is sought for the frys in the form of the long sharp spines of sea urchins (Diadema), or the tentacles of sea anemones, as the male finally release them out. Successful breeding and raising of frys in captivity have been frequently reported. Sometimes aquarists have even provided the safe haven of a special sea urchin a-la-cocktail-stick (cocktail sticks or BBQ skewers pinned into a blob of putty). Various levels of success have been reported with different style of feeding, whilst small live food is preferred, enriched frozen fares have also been used successfully.
Further readings:
Articles from Frank Marini, an authority on the captive breeding and raising of these fish
http://www.reefs.org/library/article/f_marini.html
http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us/Art...rini/marini.htm (http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us/Articles/v4_i4_marini/marini.htm)
http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/f_mar...ini_020799.html (http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/f_marini_020799.html)
Past threads:
Searches... (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=77bc077bc4c04e69544385e6c0740a57&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=bangaii+cardinal)