Coral Catshark Eggs

[Eel Freak]

Hi! My friend has an adult female Coral Catshark in his 800g tank... She has been laying eggs a lot lately, and I've been checking them. Every one has been clear with nothing inside, until this latest batch, where one egg has a nice dark spot in it. Is this the yolk, meaning the egg is likely viable? Thanks for any input on this...

 

[alprazo]

Is there a male?

 

[Eel Freak]

No, however, I speculate parthenogenesis is a possiblilty. I looked into it and saw it recorded in other Catshark species in captivity.

 

[CPL_DSM]

It looks like another false egg. However just see what happens. How long has he had the shark?

 

[Eel Freak]

She's probably laid two dozen eggs so far (more each week, it's been that way for a couple months...), and so far this seems to be the first possible one...

The shark was kept at a public aquarium. About 5-7 years ago. Three years ago my LFS acquired her in a big trade. We kept her on display in a big 300g but sold her to my friend, who has the 800g tank, about 6 months ago.

 

[Eel Freak]

As far as raising the eggs (assuming at least one is viable), would transferring them to my reef tank where there is far more oxygen and significantly better water quality be something worthwhile?

 

[CPL_DSM]

As far as raising the eggs (assuming at least one is viable), would transferring them to my reef tank where there is far more oxygen and significantly better water quality be something worthwhile?

Just remember not to let the egg get outside the water. Once you get air in the sack you have to get the air out.