raising mixed amano hatches, likelihood of cannibalism?

carbon etc · Post by **carbon etc** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 4:28 pm

I have a couple hundred new amano zoes going into saltwater momentarily. In a few weeks I expect to have at least that many more hatching. At that point their difference in size will be pretty pronounced. I'm wondering if anyone has tried mixing hatches before. Is cannibalism a significant danger here?

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:38 pm

I have mixed them and saw no cannabalism. My barrier was the final molt. The issue with mixed sizes is getting the shrimp out once they are shrimp. If you do batches, you can do it on one shot. Mix them and it is lots of work.

zax · Post by **zax** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:31 pm

I have not witnessed any canabalism at any stage either even after they have morphed into adults. If you are going to mix the spawns then keep a track of their expected date of metamorphasis (25 days onwards for me) so that you can start catching the adults. Let us know how you get on.

carbon etc · Post by **carbon etc** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 4:09 pm

Out of 100+ zoes it looks like I'm going to get about 5 post-larvae.

I think I need to refine my methods a little.

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 5:16 pm

Don't forget you did get some success from this batch

Thanks for sharing and hope you improve on your methods

lampeye · Post by **lampeye** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 5:11 am

carbon etc wrote:Out of 100+ zoes it looks like I'm going to get about 5 post-larvae.

I think I need to refine my methods a little.

That's 5 more than anyone was getting just a few years ago. Congrats, and congrats on future, larger batches.

carbon etc · Post by **carbon etc** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 3:37 pm

My "failing" was probably that I didn't do any water changes. I did scatter some zeolite in the bottom of the tank to act as both surface area for bacteria and possible ammonia removal (no idea if it actually does that or if it's just snake oil).

I've gotten mixed messages on whether water changes should be done or not.

For the next batch I'll do water changes and see if it improves my numbers.