Petshrimp.com Discussion Forum

I have researched but have not found specific info as to the process of egg hatching - all I can find is breeding info. I have some female RCS that are carrying eggs, and I don't know what to expect.

Does she lay the actual eggs, and then they hatch, or does she give birth to babies?

If she does lay eggs, does she lay them all at once and together in a group or doe she scatter them around? Would she lay them any specific place - like under a rock overhang or in some plants or in the gravel, etc? Would I be able to see them?

What does she act like when laying? I have two females that are not moving around much - they are pretty much staying in one spot and are busily doing something with their back legs - and it looks like I can see the eggs moving around.

I just want to understand the process is all.

The females will carry the eggs for approximately 4 weeks. The eggs hatch directly from underneath the abdomen as little miniature shrimp (they do not have a complex series of larval stages like the vast majority of shrimp)

The time it takes for the shrimplets to hatch is relative to the temperature of your water. Warmer water will speed things up (but don't go raising the temp just to speed up the hatching).

Often, the females with eggs will be a bit more reclusive, especially as hatching approaches.

Hope that helps.

Ahhh, I see. So no eggs laying around - she just pops out babies basically. Does that involve alot of frantic moving of the back legs?

wendyjo wrote:Ahhh, I see. So no eggs laying around - she just pops out babies basically. Does that involve alot of frantic moving of the back legs?

That would be the female fanning the eggs which keep the water circulating over the eggs. This prevents fungal attacks and death the eggs.

As easy as can be said :

1. They mate
2. If all goes well you will see eggs under her tail
3. She maybe a little less active and not eat as much
4. Egss hatch

i had two females holding and one disappeared for awhile and then reappeared without eggs.

i eventually found little shrimplets swimming around.

The female will tend to hide in thick vegetation or dark place if the eggs begin hatching. She will often be hanging upside down as they hatch.

Thanks for all the info everyone.