You can probably begin to gradually add more water to help them break out, but don't completely cover the eggs until you see some definite progress. It should generally take about 15 days. In the wild, they hatch with very little water, then they are transported on the back of the male to a water source. The male may help them break out of the gel by stepping around on it, so in a separated situation, they need a bit more water to accomplish this on their own. Once out or nearly so however, you can cover them with water, then add more as they wriggle free. You can help them by very carefully tearing away some of the gel with something like a couple of dental picks if the later hatches seem to be having trouble.



Don't be overly concerned if they don't move much at first, or give them a premature death certificate. Some individuals may be pretty well pooped out and unresponsive for several hours or a day after breaking free. This is when I like to add a little Java moss to their container and sprinkle in a little algae powder, even though they aren't eating yet. Wait a few days before adding anything that may deteriorate, like fish flake or tad bites, if you are going to amend the algae diet with these.
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Patty

Pahsimeroi, Idaho



D. auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, galactonotus orange, galactonotus yellow, fantasticus, reticulatus, imitator, castaneoticus, azureus, pumilio Bastimentos. P. lugubris, vittatus, terribilis mint green, terribilis orange.

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