Corydora Eggs

[amandalou]

My corys are laying eggs. A LOT of eggs. All over the tank. This is completely unexpected, but I would like to help the babies if I can. They are currently in a 20 gallon community aquarium; temp is approx 77 degrees, biowheel filtration. The tank contains three corys, two pink gouramis, five neon tetras, a small algae eater, and a snail. Obviously, the eggs have to move. Currently, the parent corys are still laying, and the other is actively patroling the eggs. I am worried about the stress they are all having. (My apartment building is being re-sided - the walls and floor have been vibrating something awful for several days- tank sits against an interior wall, but still... could the vibrating and banging have something to do with this completely unexpected spawning?) What is the best way to move the eggs, and help them hatch, and raise the fry? What sort of extra tank would be most appropriate, if necessary? Or can I get one of those little nets that keep the fry seperate from the main tank? I have never looked into breeding corys before. What do I feed the fry? Any input anyopne can give is more than appreciated!

[vjvl51]

Congrats Amandalou

Per Baensch"s Aquarium Atlas, there are nearly 180 species of corys of which only fifty are commercially available and more than ten are captive bred. "The fry hatch at 23 to 24 C after four to five days. Unfortunately, many eggs die from fungus. It is however easy to raise newly hatched fry on rotifers, Artemia nauplii and the contents of fresh peas, and with frequent partial water changes. Prudence is recommended with micro food."
"After spawning, the breeding pair should be removed or the eggs transferred to a glass tank. The water quality should be high, well aerated and treated to prevent fungus on the spawn.

Water values are not decisive since many species spawn in hard water. These, however, prefer values of 6.0-7.0 pH and 6 dGH. The best water temperature is around 24-26C (75-79F)."

I've never been lucky enough to have my corys breed, but maybe the above info will give you some ideas about what is required.

Let me know how you make out.

Vickie

[amandalou]

Well, I did lose quite a few eggs to a white, cloudy fungus. And quite a few of the surviiving eggs were eaten immediately upon hatching. I was able to put some eggs into a plastic hatchery, but the fungus was pretty invasive there, too. Still, I have a few fry. They aren't swimming yet, so I don't yet know if they have survived the fungus. Wish me luck!

[vjvl51]

Good luck. :D I hope things turn out for you.

Let me know how you make out with feeding them. Hopefully some will survive the fungus. It always gives me a good feeling to know that my tank water is good enough to have babies.

Vickie