Banggai Cardinalfish Help

[derek_drennan]

So here is the story. I just got two new Banggai Cardinal and put them into my 25 gallon reef. They both seem to be doing fine, but don't seem to be eating anything. They have been in the tank for about 3 days and still no feeding. I have tried flake and frozen number two. I am going to move to brine next. Anyone have any suggestions? Also, how does one go about telling if they are mated? The LFS didn't know a thing about them, and I have not been able to find much info. Thanks in advance for your time and info!

Regards,
Derek

 

[npaden]

You might have luck getting them started eating live brine shrimp.

You should be able to tell fairly soon in a 25 if they are a pair or not because otherwise I would think they would start fighting.

FWIW, Nathan

 

[Bucktronix]

yep live brine shrimp should do the job, my pajamas were the same way, started them with live brine and now they will take frozen mysis.

 

[D-Nak]

I had a pair of Bangaiis, and all they ate were live brine shrimp. I tried to slowly feed them other foods but no luck. I hope you have better luck than I did! I was at the fish store on Tuesday and Friday to pick up fresh brine shrimp (and a few other things too

).

D-Nak

 

[Bucktronix]

i would still try the frozen mysis shrimp, they are hard to resist. even my picky angel grabs a big mouthfull when i treat them.

 

[npaden]

This is also a good reminder that when possible you should try to purchase a tank raised specimen IMO. Not only to you reduce the impact on the wild populations, but you get a fish that has been brought up living in a tank eating prepared foods. At 3 months old my banggai babies are eating anything that hits the water column including flake foods. With my current setup I have them switched over to frozen prawn eggs at 2 weeks old.

FWIW, Nathan

 

[GMH320]

Also try small pieces of shrimp or clam. Mine won't touch flake food.

 

[FMarini]

Derek:
I'll agree w/ everyone on this one, try getting the banggais to eat live brine first (or even live ghost shrimp). Once they're comfortable in your tank, start feeding frozen brine, then frozen meaty foods.

Remember that in the wild fish don't see flake foods or cubes. The see wiggling food.

If you want more info on banggai cardinal you can read some articles found on this site
http://www.eparc.com/banggai/banggai.shtml
good luck w/ your banggai
frank