Zoea *successful captive breeding & rearing of C. variabilis

[Rocky]

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bxr0FH0 ... edit?pli=1 <-- here's curlz's diary
Any recording is good recording We know so little about these guys, every bit helps! Not to mention that since they have a shorter zoea stage, your experience here will be different and specific to aussies
Day 11! Holy cow! That's like half the time, I think wolf's babies hit stage 6 around week 3?

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

I have added some dried brine shrimp to the megalopae jar, they are definitely eating these too, they grab on and flick their tail to pull off pieces, they look very much like fresh water shrimp at the moment. Ive reduced the airation, they are able to swim freely and search out food now instead of grabbing on to each other as they float past.

[Rocky]

Have you tried crushed freeze dried bloodworms? They're really great, but they're just messy so they (and spirinula) would be something to feed right before a water change

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

Have you tried crushed freeze dried bloodworms? They're really great, but they're just messy so they (and spirinula) would be something to feed right before a water change

Great idea! At this stage I am leaving as much food on the bottom as possible so there is plenty to graze on, they are viciously eating everything and each other There is now more megalopa than I can count.

[Rocky]

Careful you don't let the nitrates build up too much! That could do them alot of harm
While I'm at it: can you provide something for them to hide from eachother in? It would probably really help cut down the cannibalism Something like an oyster shell, or a very leafy plastic plant

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

Im using ammo lock & water ager CN (this has a stress coat in it) and changing part of the water several times a day (this is exhausting lol, Im doting and the girls are over it lol) what else do I need to do? now Im freaking out, this is so hard (pulling my hair out)
as for cover, shells would be better I reckon since obviously they don't need to just protect themselves form predators but from each other. I must get to the beach
Curlz if you are reading this HELP!!!!

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

today

[Rocky]

Do you think they're ready for shells? (do you even have shells small enough? ) I believe you just put the shells in the water, and they will begin to inspect them and wear them, then some will wear them without taking them off, and that's when you put them in the transition tank.
Just keep doing what you're doing! It's obviously worked so far If you need tiny shells, I'm sure lots of members could help you out

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

the beach is only an hour away Im going to have to make a run for it I think, some of the larger ones that obviously turned first are showing interest in the surface of the water, Im going to experiment with 5 and put them in the transition tank (very basic mind you) & see what happens, then its time for another water change (where is a smiley icon of head spinning then exploding!!)

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

is the ammo lock and water ager CN and constant partial changes going to be ok? I can see them (in my head) gorging on each other the moment I take the food out, the ones I had initially moved on their own yesterday are grazing in the debri constantly and appear to be less interested in each other, I can see food in their stomachs, they are starting to get colour too.

[Rocky]

Everything we have is theoretical and experimental, if it's working for you, then it is the "right" thing to do

[aussieJJDude]

Wow, it is great to hear that they are still going strong!
Congrats (once again )

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

All Zoea that hadnt molted into megalopa have been eaten.

[wodesorel]

Glad to hear there are still some left!

I wonder if they need a supplemental live food source that is around their size.... Rotifers don't get that large, but copepods would and they don't eat other living things, just algae. (Sort of thinking out loud here, hope that's okay!)

[Nat_addicted to HC's]

All thoughts are appreciated!! Xx