That hilarious.

How about an update on the Horny Fish? Shot this earlier this eveing!

For what its worth, I have had great success with getting "picky" and even traditionally difficult feeders to eat by introducing them to a community setting right off the bat. 9/10 times the "picky" eaters are munching pellets and flakes within the first 2 weeks. The down-side to this is obviously going to be the possible spread of disease and parasites. But thats why you put a hold on the fish and watch it closely for a week at your LFS.

They're at it again!



Still no eggs found...

Matt

Back after a year as prognosticated

Was searching on this species and came across one of the many wonderful threads from the past. For the record, I WAS right I documented it fully in multiple places. Anyone who stumbles across this thread searching for info, I strongly suggest tracking down a copy of the article I did for CORAL back in March/April '09

http://www.coralmagazine-us.com/content/ne...lequin-filefish

Did your file fish breed? How many are still alive?

Awsome job! And I agree feedings are extremely important. I have a harem of flames in my tank but haven't posted any pics of them yet. Not in the mood for crappy comments. But they gave started to chase each other and pratice mating rituals. But they are too small for actual breeding but fingers crossed.

Would love to see/hear more when you do - please remember to track me down and tell me!!!

Matt



Yes they did. I got 3 separate juvies on three separate attempts...on died at 93 days, one jumped after a few months, and the longest lasted around 6 months before getting kicked off by Amyloodinium. My best run, outside of getting juvies, was having 50+ at the 3 week mark, but then they slowly tapered off (I was doing a lot of traveling at that point, and couldn't be there to give them daily care). I have daily development shots of these guys under the scope that will blow people away.

Still have adults alive as well, although we lost the 2 males in the 2 pairs in our recent move from Chicago to Duluth, so replacements are in training right now..one eating anything, the other one being difficult. Thoroughly convinced that SOURCE and initial health of the fish has a major component in how successful you will be with this fish when it's WC

Not giving up, but we're stuck in temporary housing in Duluth, so breeding is on hold until early 2010 when permanent housing will be figured out.

Overall, O. longirostris is still very much an expert only fish, but I think captive breeding can change that for the offspring.

Sure no problem. I'll let you know. It's awsome seeing them starting their ritual every evening like clockwork. Need to fat-them up... Lol a bit more and they are on their way. it's a trio of Hawaiian flames and can't wait to see orange eggs. Sooner or later.

Nothing like a slice of humble pie to silence the peanut gallery.

Congrats

Wait, just want to be sure, we're talking about Flame Files, not Flame Angels right? Pervagor melanocephalus, right? How did you get your "harem" / "trio"?




Indeed

Matt

Killing fish just to try to breed a few is not "PHENOMENAL success". Just a little FYI.

I would consider Matt's success beyond PHENOMENAL. Thank you. From his breakthrough experience on these fish, I have a healthy pair eating too well and had no lost in the weaning process.

We all quite a few dead fish and corals skeletons in our closet. Face it.

First off, do you even realize that if it weren't for people like MWP trying to do experiments like this then we wouldn't have marine/reef tanks to begin with? Do you know how many times people have tried to keep fish and corals in captivity in the 20-30 years ago and lost them before someone figured out ways to safely keep them alive like we can today? Do you think we just knew by instinct to throw something in a glass box and keep it alive? Don't be so rude.

You have a knack for stirring up the sandbed, Matt, lol.

Good work! Keep doing what you are doing! When these guys are available to keep at home you can thanks this guy along with others!

I may have missed this information, so sorry if I am repeating myself but are you using night lighting. You mentioned something about the filefish and the phases of the moon. I know this is a trigger for corals to spawn so I was wondering if you try to create this type of lighting to stimulate breeding. Very interesting thread.

Boy isn't that the truth. He now has the fish the whole world is talking about