Re: [Killietalk] Sterile pairs... N. kirki Chiuta MW 91-15

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

In a message dated 8/23/04 1:23:12 PM, bwatters at sasktel_net writes:

<< No, they don't, at least nowhere near the same extent as for some SA
annuals. However, the eggs of some Nothos become very dark when fully
developed and, therefore, more difficult to see in peat. >>

I have looked at many SA annuals and only a few showed significant 
adhesiveness when newly laid. My records show that these were Cynopoecilus melanotaenia, 
Trigonectes species Araguaia and Austrolebias affinis "duraznensis". This 
latter example was apparently not fertile. Later pairs gave non-adhesive eggs.  
Perhaps the Trigonectes was also not fertilized, since nothing ever hatched. As 
eggs incubate in peat they do pick up bits of peat and become obscured. 
Nothobranchius eggs do not pick up peat to the same extent. The key to look for 
eggs is to search for them every few days and they should be easy to pick out for 
almost, perhaps all, species. Once you have established the existence of 
clear, fertilized eggs, it is not necessary or desirable to search for every egg. 
I am still not sure about the Cynopoecilus melanotaenia.

Lee Harper
Media, PA

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