Cardinal Tetra drama

Tropical Fish Keeping Journal

January 30, 2005

Added 15 juvenile cardinal tetras yesterday. Memnoch the evil Angel was immediately fascinated and I'm quite sure would eat them if he was big enough. I'm hoping that by the time he is, he won't see them as food. Suffice to say, I'm counting them every so often.

The tank looks so beautiful now. I'm doing a 40% water change weekly, which the fish seem to appreciate. They're eating blood worms twice daily but occasionally I replace a serving with Omega flake food. The rams are fat and sassy and totally in love. Priscilla has turned out to be a tough little ram-chick - she chases Memnoch whenever he gets near her or her territory. He's not terribly afraid but he gets out of her way. It's nice to see him get his ass kicked occasionally. Poor little Angelis is still getting her ass kicked and I really don't know how she lives - she never eats anything I feed them. The occasional bloodworm she picks up just gets spit out again. But she's healthy - no sucken stomach or anything, Her fins are in great shape and she is contantly picking at something on the wood. Maybe she's a vegan. Better for my cardinals!

I did buy a cheap LCD moonlight, as well. Penetrated very poorly so I'm going to return it but it was fascinating to watch all the cardinals group in the very light moonlight, just glowing, and Memnoch stalking them from beneath. I know that he was bred in captivity, and in all likelyhood so were his parents and theirs, but I think he had a very primal moment there...