For the last 8 or 9 months we have been raising saddleback clowns and it has been a great learning experience, and fun. We have had about an 8% to 10% survival rate the whole time but had nothing to compare to. We also have a pair of ocellaris that breed so a few months ago we decided to try the ocellaris to see what the difference's were.
After a few hatching we can see quite a few differences. Besides the larger size and vigor of the ocellaris larva, there are a few behavioral differences im hoping someone can give us some insight with.
First i want to say we use the same water, light, food and methodology with both.
Ocellaris- the first 24 hours almost all larva are very active and feeding.
Polymnus- the first 12 hours almost all larva are active. The next 12 hours about 50% lay on the bottom but are still alive, moving infrequently.
The next 48 hours
Ocellaris- large amount of of larva are very active and feeding. Some die off but no live laying on the bottom.
Polymnus- Small amount of larva are up in the water column, most are laying on the bottom but not dead (maybe 25% on the bottom are dead).
The laying on the bottom continues untill the polymnus go through metamorphosis. Is this just the way they are?
Our larval tanks are painted white on the bottom and black on the back and sides. We use a 15watt light about 18" above each tank and for the first 10 or 12 days the tank is covered with eggcrate with 3 or 4 layers of paper towel to help diffuse the light more.
Temp is held at 81f
Air stones create a gentle current with fine bubbles
What are we missing? Any thoughts ?
After a few hatching we can see quite a few differences. Besides the larger size and vigor of the ocellaris larva, there are a few behavioral differences im hoping someone can give us some insight with.
First i want to say we use the same water, light, food and methodology with both.
Ocellaris- the first 24 hours almost all larva are very active and feeding.
Polymnus- the first 12 hours almost all larva are active. The next 12 hours about 50% lay on the bottom but are still alive, moving infrequently.
The next 48 hours
Ocellaris- large amount of of larva are very active and feeding. Some die off but no live laying on the bottom.
Polymnus- Small amount of larva are up in the water column, most are laying on the bottom but not dead (maybe 25% on the bottom are dead).
The laying on the bottom continues untill the polymnus go through metamorphosis. Is this just the way they are?
Our larval tanks are painted white on the bottom and black on the back and sides. We use a 15watt light about 18" above each tank and for the first 10 or 12 days the tank is covered with eggcrate with 3 or 4 layers of paper towel to help diffuse the light more.
Temp is held at 81f
Air stones create a gentle current with fine bubbles
What are we missing? Any thoughts ?
