[Killietalk] finding eggs

["Curtis Smith" <cskillies at hotmail_com>]

I dunk my eggs when I think it's time, collect those that hatch, and then 
use Dan Katz's method of rinsing the peat from the eggs.   You can find the 
eggs in the small amount of debris left very quickly.   I have little 
knowledge of Nothos but South American annuals usually don't all hatch at 
the same time.   After collecting 12 to 20 or more fry I often find some 
eggs partially developed and others still almost clear.  True, some SA 
annuals hatch almost all the first time but I find most of them do not.   
Sometimes redrying several times is necessary before all the eggs are 
hatched.  By finding the eggs before re-incubating you know exactly what to 
expect.

In some species, particularly Aphyolebias, Pterolebias and Gnatholebias 
using Dr. Roger Brousseau's pre-wetting method increases the number in the 
hatch - at least it does for me.  Pre-wet them for 20 mintues to a half hour 
and then redry and rebag them.  Do this 3 weeks to a month before the hatch 
date.

For you newbies, there are several incubation charts available that give the 
temperatrure, wetness and time required.   I know Dr. Watters had one 
distribued a few years ago and Jim Robinson of Canada also has a chart, both 
for Nothos and SA annuals.  However, you need to start your own book with 
all the pertinent info and note any adjustments needed from whatever chart 
you are using.  Eventually you will refer to your book for species you have 
already done and the chart only for new ones.

Curt Smith

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