C.pyrrhogaster egg yolk

[RobM]

My first C.pyrrhogaster egg hatched 8 days ago, yet it still has a white belly, is that normal? I have read that the egg yolk should keep the larvae going for 'several/a couple' of days, 8 is way more than that in my eyes!
I have been providing freshly hatched Artemia, so do not know whether it has been eating that too. The temperature averages around 18C and the first larvae born appears to have been born with part of a tail/very short tail.

 

[eljorgo]

Looks like you having a pretty normal season.

 

[Jennewt]

I have seen cases where the yolk lasted for a week or two. They probably aren't eating yet. It's hard to say how long the yolk should last because some eggs hatch early (early relative to the development of the embryo), some late. I've seen larvae hatch out ready to start chowing on day 1, while others hatch early and sit around for a week or so.

 

[Molch]

this is interesting; I've observed this in my current crop of alpine larvae as well. One little guy stayed in the egg so long I started thinking he had a problem, and when he finally popped out he was clearly larger than others and had almost no yolk left.

This makes one wonder what the triggers are for the actual moment of hatching.

 

[fabian]

I have been providing freshly hatched Artemia, so do not know whether it has been eating that too. The temperature averages around 18C and the first larvae born appears to have been born with part of a tail/very short tail.

Hi,
it's easy to see wether ist has been eating Artemia, the larvae's belly will look orange if it has eaten them.
Greetz
Fabian

 

[Azhael]

Advanced larvae that are disturbed while still in the egg tend to hatch early, which makes sense as it allows them to scape in a desperate situation. Mind you, sometimes they hatch early for no apparent reason, so there may be a fisiological trigger that varies between individuals.

Lower temps slow down development which also means that yolk is absorved slowlier. 8 days is nothing to worry about. At 20-22ºC some larvae take 7 days to start eating.

Congrats, by the way!