Bangai dying of old age.

Paul B · Nov 7, 2017

Bangai Cardinal dying from old age. These fish have a lifespan of only 3 or 4 years, this one maybe 5 years old. Bangai's have one of the shortest lifespans of all fish although some will live longer. His mate died a while ago and they spawned for their entire adult life. He has not eaten in a month (I am not sure if he is drinking) You can see his fins are starting to deteriorate, he is breathing very slow, his scales are not smooth as silk and his top fin is getting shorter. Also, a fish dying of old age shows no signs of disease until later in this process when their immune system starts to mis function. Then he may exhibit spots and the other fish will pick on him. He will find a hole to rest in and the bristleworms will then grab him and it will be all over. I will catch him just before that happens and remove him.
This is the way just about all fish die from old age which probably never happens in the sea.

Here he is with his main squeeze in their younger days.

ubasu · Nov 7, 2017

Poor guy. What is the best (as in nicest) way to put a fish out of his misery?

Victoria M · Nov 7, 2017

aw. RIP Mr. Bangai. May he rejoin his main squeeze in fishy heaven.

Paul B · Nov 7, 2017

He is happy that he is living to his maximum potential, that is all anyone could ask for and the way all our fish (and us) should pass away.

I usually put fish in the refrigerator. Fish being cold blooded slow down as they get colder until they stop. Many people disagree with this and have their own methods, but this is mine. Remember a fish is an animal that almost 100% of the time die by getting eaten alive at a much younger age, most as infants. This is a good death although he may hang on for another month.

DeepBlueSomething · Nov 7, 2017

Paul B said:
He is happy that he is living to his maximum potential, that is all anyone could ask for and the way all our fish (and us) should pass away.

I usually put fish in the refrigerator. Fish being cold blooded slow down as they get colder until they stop. Many people disagree with this and have their own methods, but this is mine. Remember a fish is an animal that almost 100% of the time die by getting eaten alive at a much younger age, most as infants. This is a good death although he may hang on for another month.

@Paul B
Thanks for sharing your experience and your approach -- honesty and sincerity are much appreciated.

DracoKat · Nov 7, 2017

Ice cold water (add some ice cubes) will euthanize them. Clove oil in warm water will do the trick faster (at least with my betta culls)

RIP fishy, he had a great long life

DeepBlueSomething · Nov 7, 2017

Out of curiosity - do Pajama Cardinals have a similar lifespan? I am about to make first adds to a tank and have settled on one of these 2...

Paul B · Nov 7, 2017

I am not sure about Pajama cardinals.. Sorry

This is from Wikipedia:

The Banggai cardinalfish is a paternal mouthbrooder.[4] The female plays an active role in courtship and pair formation, which occurs a few hours to a few days before spawning. Mating pairs establish spawning territories several meters away from the main group and vigorously defend them.[4] The eggs are about 2.5 millimeters in diameter. The young remain in the male's mouth cavity for an undetermined period after hatching.[3] Unlike many other species of marine fish, the Banggai cardinalfish lacks a planktonic stage in its life history.[4] The species has a short life span, reaching around four years in optimal conditions in captivity, and perhaps 1 to 2 years in the wild.[4]

zachxlutz · Nov 7, 2017

off to the big fish tank in the sky little buddy!

Paul B · Nov 7, 2017

zachxlutz said:
off to the big fish tank in the sky little buddy!

He's still here, but I think his days are numbered. He has been dying of old age now for a couple of months

zachxlutz · Nov 7, 2017

Paul B said:
He's still here, but I think his days are numbered. He has been dying of old age now for a couple of months

Aren't we all.

keddre · Nov 7, 2017

Paul B said:
He is happy that he is living to his maximum potential, that is all anyone could ask for and the way all our fish (and us) should pass away.

I usually put fish in the refrigerator. Fish being cold blooded slow down as they get colder until they stop. Many people disagree with this and have their own methods, but this is mine. Remember a fish is an animal that almost 100% of the time die by getting eaten alive at a much younger age, most as infants. This is a good death although he may hang on for another month.

I tried this once in 11th grade but I used the freezer instead of fridge because my mom didn't want it in the fridge (understandable). It turned into a whole block of ice and when i rethawed it, the fish started swimming like nothing happened

Had him for another two months after.

Since I have moved to clove oil

DancingShark · Nov 7, 2017

^^when I work for the cable company i used to see gold fish frozen in customers small ponds. I asked a few and they told me that when spring time came along they would just swim around like nothing happened.

stevo01 · Nov 7, 2017

Paul B said:
Bangai Cardinal dying from old age. These fish have a lifespan of only 3 or 4 years, this one maybe 5 years old. Bangai's have one of the shortest lifespans of all fish although some will live longer. His mate died a while ago and they spawned for their entire adult life. He has not eaten in a month (I am not sure if he is drinking) You can see his fins are starting to deteriorate, he is breathing very slow, his scales are not smooth as silk and his top fin is getting shorter. Also, a fish dying of old age shows no signs of disease until later in this process when their immune system starts to mis function. Then he may exhibit spots and the other fish will pick on him. He will find a hole to rest in and the bristleworms will then grab him and it will be all over. I will catch him just before that happens and remove him.
This is the way just about all fish die from old age which probably never happens in the sea.

Here he is with his main squeeze in their younger days.

Hey Paul, I'm losing one of mine now. I thought the mate was beating on him/her and that was the cause, but not really sure. I can't tell which is male and which is female.

what is the estimated age that these are sold in stores? Mine weren't quite full size when purchased and I've had them about a year. I've seen them sold prett small much smaller than the size I bought them. Also, how can you tell the sex, and will they change their sex like many other marine fish?

Thanks!

DLHDesign · Nov 7, 2017

I've always thought that Cardinals either look like bandits, or royalty. This gentleman is a fine example of the latter.
Congrats on giving him such a fine life, sir.

wowkingjames · Nov 7, 2017

Are you going to get any more wants he goes to fish heaven?

Paul B · Nov 7, 2017

Steve I can't tell the sex unless the two of them are together and one is carrying eggs. They look the same for me but the male probably has a slightly bigger mouth to house the babies. I think the dime sized ones sold are maybe 5 or 6 months old, but that is just a guess. If they only live 2 or 3 years, they have to age quickly.

I won't get any more fish of any type until after I move in a few months. I may lost the ones I have depending on if the moves come in the same week. Me moving out and into my new place and the new people moving here

stevo01 · Nov 7, 2017

Paul B said:
Steve I can't tell the sex unless the two of them are together and one is carrying eggs. They look the same for me but the male probably has a slightly bigger mouth to house the babies. I think the dime sized ones sold are maybe 5 or 6 months old, but that is just a guess. If they only live 2 or 3 years, they have to age quickly.

I won't get any more fish of any type until after I move in a few months. I may lost the ones I have depending on if the moves come in the same week. Me moving out and into my new place and the new people moving here

Yeah thats what I was thinking but hoped you had some info I hadn't heard.

I think the one is just beating up on the other in the courtship. Poor thing has been there a few times now and always makes a comeback. Still living for now...

Thanks Paul and best wishes in your move bro!