1st BN fry, but...

[kaceyo]

I was pleasently surprised this AM to find BN wrigglers on the walls of their tank. Thing is, I always thought that dad would keep them hidden untill they looked like mini adults. Basicly, they look like BN eggs with tails and a nodule for a head. Are they in trouble? Is there anything I need to do to increase their chances? When and what do I feed for their first meals?
Thanks,

Kacey

[Greg Richardson]

Congrats!

[Moon]

Kacey
Dad usually keeps the fry in the cave untill fully formed. At this stage they look like mini adults. Sometimes the eggs or partially hatched eggs are kicked out of the cave. In this case I usually collect them and place them in a small container till the yolk sag is absorbed. When free swimming I feed them same food as the parents. FBS, zuchini and algae tablets.
HTH

[brewmaster15]

Congrats Kacey!!

Now, when are you going to start shipping...I'm thinking a couple of your spotteds and maybe some bristle nose in tank in CT would be a pretty cool thing!

-al

[kaceyo]

Thanks Greg.

Moon, how do you collect them at that size? They look like they would POP at the slightest pressure. I can picture little grease spots all over the glass where I tried to catch them, lol!!!

Al, as soon as I have room (tank space) to raise enough all at once to make it worth while, you'll be first on the list
Thanks,

Kacey

[pcsb23]

Kacey, I've used a pipette or a syringe before to get very small fry transferred, works a treat.

[kaceyo]

Paul,
I usually use an eyedropper for discus fry but these guys are much bigger. I thought I'd put them in one of those nylon mesh fry holders with the plastic frame and maybe something smooth in it for them to stick to.

Kacey

[brewmaster15]

Turkey basters work well for me moving everything from wiggler rams, angels and discus...just be gentle...and don't forget to rinse well before you baste that turkey tomarrow....the guests may not appreciate the seasoning?

-al

[kaceyo]

I don't think anyone would mind a few extra tasty little morsels in the gravy.

Kacey

[Apistomaster]

I usually time removal of the fry a few days before I expect them to completely absorb their yolks. They are not as delicate as they may seem and for the "loose cannons", the baster is the ticket.

Just place the neotonates in a net breeder and leave them there for several weeks. Makes feeding them easier and they will grow a little faster than if just turned loose in a tank of their own.
I have dumped ~200 of them in with a pair of Discus and they were all gone within 24 hours. They are still soft, tender and make good live food while they still have a little yolk sack.

[kaceyo]

Tha baster worked great. I thought they would be more firmly stuck to the glass than they were.
Thanks,

Kacey

[MelonHead]

My ABN fry often get out of the cave while thy still have yolks sacs. If you have them in a dedicated ABN tank...leave them be. They get by just fine. If you have other fish in the tank that might snarf them up...definately move them.

Congrats on your spawn!

[fishmama]

Kacey-

Give us the update please!!!! Would love to hear more about this experience.