Re: Is there any expire date for killifish's eggs?

Originally Posted by
exotic_idiot
And one more thing what does "hatch date" means?
Ben, some breeders alternate the use of "dunking", "wetting" and "hatching" date but they all mean the same thing; soaking the peat & eggs into water for hatching.
As Steve mentioned, the embryo development and hatch date is most influenced by the hobbyist's climate; faster when warm, slower/longer hatch date if stored cool.
No rules are set in stone. The best gauge is to check for "fully eyed-up" eggs. Use a magnifying glass if one's eyesight is deteriorating, and it is possible to see a very developed iris "ring" (see image below).

From this stage, wetting date can be safely delayed by another 2~3 weeks. In my humble experience, late wetting by a few months (after eggs are eyed up) yield poor hatch rates and a higher chance of belly sliders.
It is also dependent on which annual species you're incubating. Nothobranchius and Simpsonicthys takes about 2 months. Aphyolebias in about 3, but dunking Terranatos dolichopterus eggs without incubating for at least 4 months will yield disappointing results (I learned my lesson the hard way). Please note that all time frame mentioned is applicable to SG weather and it can be much much longer if one is in northern states in USA or in Sweden.
I'm back & keeping 'em fingers wet,
Ronnie Lee
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