Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my 2 d. auratus in a tank together for almost 2 years and always thought they were of the same sex since ive never seen them mate or lay eggs. Well, I have found 6 eggs within the last month and was shocked at first. The first 3 didnt make it, but the other three are still within their egg sack but are growing fast by the day and are begining to move in their eggs. Should i expect them to break out really soon? If so should i go ahead and cover the eggs in water? Right now i have the eggs in just alittle bit of water, but not completely submerged in water. Thanks for the advice.

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.

as always your advice and knowledge is wonderful. thank you patty