Banggai

[superwizbang]

Ok, the more reading I am doing, the more I am set on getting a breeding pair of Banggai. The only problem? I want tank-raised cardinals. I have really read there is a *huge* difference...not to mention the decreasing wild populations.

I can't even google them and find a seller. I have found lots of people who say they raise them, but I can't stop and email each one and ask if I may buy a breeding pair. 8/ So, I pose this question since I have time to look before all is ready in the tank, would anyone know of a breeder or supplier who has said pair for sale?

Thanks!

-Ken

[Mrs Smith]

Hi Ken,

I think Jeff at Fish World in Blue Springs (MO side) might be able to get some from ORA. Tell him I sent you. I used to breed them - getting a M/F pair is the tricky part, but once you get a set, they should breed. (They aren't like clowns - females are rather promiscuious, and will breed with any male they can convince, I firmly believe.)

Look for a couple that hang out together in a tank.

Oh, and FWIW, I don't know that there's a huge difference in TR vs WC. If you are planning to breed them, you might actually look for a WC pair, as there will be less genetic inbreeding... although they are pretty inbred to begin with.

HTH,
Danielle

[superwizbang]

Hi Danielle and thanks for the response!

Hmm, interesting and I had thought about the WC/TB dilemma as it pertains to inbreeding. I had heard so much about the mortality rate of WC cards though and decided that a healthy fish would be better than taking the chance they might be closely related. I will think on this more as WC fish are less expensive but the low population counts of these fish in the wild make me more concerned than anything.

My LFS orders through ORA and I had asked him to check on the availability already. Apparently that facility was damaged rather badly during the hurricanes last year so availability is low at the current time. I am afraid it is going to more than double the price I have to pay from any fish store I might order from 8( I will see what he says before I contact Fish World. I was wanting to head that way one day anyhow, this might give me a reason to. When I do make it that way, I will mention you sent me.

Out of curiosity, how do you know of that shop?

-Ken