Bangaii Cardinal

[Kirstin]

I have 2 Bangaii Cardinals that are about 2.5 inches long. One of them just swam from behind the rockwork with a red mouth. He is not hurt but has a very full gullet with a reddish hue. The only thing red in my tank is a 3“ skunk cleaner shrimp, accounted for, and 2” peppermint shrimp. I purchased 4 of them a month ago and have only ever seen 2. 2 are accounted for. Could this fish have found and eaten one of the “missing” shrimp? The shrimp are at least twice the size of its mouth.

 

[Mikeltee]

I seriously doubt it but anything is possible. Check tonite at lights out for the peppermints. That's when they are most active. I'm not sure if there is enough blood in a shrimp to make a fish look like it's out of a scene of a horror flick.

 

[AcroNem]

I've seen them eat some huge things. But I think the more likely scenario is that it appears to be carrying eggs. Have they bred or released young in the past?

 

[Omarons]

Cardinal fish are huge a pain in the butt Cause they only eat frozen or live food , they could have gone after your shrimp if they’ve not been eating wel

 

[Gigidoll]

I think your male cardinal is just carrying eggs.

 

[Brad Waddell Wrath's Reef]

I have to agree, my friend has Bangaii Cardinals and they breed often. Looks just like yours when eggs are in the males mouth.

 

[Kirstin]

Not that I am aware of, I have only had them a couple of months. I will keep a close eye on them. This is good, I think.

 

[AcroNem]

Odds are it is brooding fry. They're fun to raise if you have the space and ability to.

 

[Phil D.]

Yup! He's carrying eggs. Mine looked like that when they spawned.