How long is too long for a Cardinal fish to carry eggs?

[Saltwater Taffy]

Hello all,

I have two Bangaii(sp) Cardinal fish that have apparently been doing things when the lights go out . Anyway, the male has had the eggs in his mouth since 24 March and to this day is still carrying them. That is 33 days. The research i've done says 18-24 days. I know you can't rush nature and things will happen in due time. I'm wondering should I be concerned with the male starving. I'm out to see for a few more days and the wife, who has been caring for the tank says he just sits there all day long, little movement. Thanks in advance.

Charles

[reeferdude]

I would not worry about it. The fish have never read those books and will continue to do what they have done for ages. If there is somethign wrong with the fry the fish will "abort" them. Has your wife noticed if he "spits" them out them sucks them back in his mouth? Do you have any predators in the tank? He may just be protecting the young ones. I have seen pictures of the babies living in long spine urchins for protection, may be something worth looking into. Good luck.

[Saltwater Taffy]

I'll have to ask her about spitting them out and sucking them back in. She said that he just sits and looks like hit mouth may explode and any min. and that he just sits there whenever food is placed in the tank. As far as predators...probably the cinnamon clownfish, she's pretty greedy :) How long should i expect the male to "guard" the babies after they are born?

[reeferdude]

Everything I have read and heard is that the male will protect them as long as they will fit in his mouth. You may also want to try some live food. Keep us posted.