[JUNRL]

how would I know when it's time for perc clown eggs to hatch? I've had these two false percs for about 6 mons. now and a couple of weeks ago I noticed the smaller one picking on the side of a rock where I saw eggs attached to it. They were definitely eggs. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to monitor the time of spawning and so lost them (probably hatched unnoticed about 6 days ago ). Jan 19. I saw eggs swaying again on the same spot while the smaller perc regularly fans them. the eggs are probably 4 days old by now.

I've read that when the eggs turn silvery in color, they're going to hatch that night. But the first batch that I lost didn't change to silver in color but rather stayed gray 'till the time they were gone. And from what I've read, they're supposed to start out as reddish brown. Mine is gray in color from the start
Pls. view attached photo

Does this have anything to do with where they're caught? I'm from the Phil.

Thanks for your comment/opinion

[Elmo18]

I can help here

The time clownfish eggs will hatch depends directly on temperature of the water. At higher temperatures, the eggs will hatch sooner. Normal hatching at about 80 degrees Fahrenheit is about 7-8 days. You will start seeing eye development and yoc salk as well. The night of the hatch, you will see that their eyes have a shade of brown in them, not just silver. The silvery eyes develop much earlier.

Goodluck raising them. I am going to raise this next batch coming up, but as always it is tough

Nice clowns!!

- Elmo

[Elmo18]

Egg color is dependant on what foods you feed your clowns. Bright red/orange eggs are a sign of good healthy fed clowns served a variety of nutritious meals.

Brine shrimp do not fall into this category. They are just like candy to us humans. Better foods will get you stronger fry after the hatch and better hatching rates.

I would try feeding a rotated regimen of mysis shrimp, Formula 1 frozen foods, chopped squid, raw table shrimp, and or scallops. Most of this stuff can be found at any grocery store. Cheaper to make your own than to buy mushed up frozen paste.

Stay away from brine shrimp and boost up your clown's nutrition.

- Elmo

[JUNRL]

Appreciate the help. But the gray egg color that I have is a far cry from the orange color you're referring to. Does this mean that the're not healthy?
Anyway, I still have about 3 days before hatching time, 'will observe progress.
Thanks again

[Elmo18]

Gray coloration of eggs means that they are bad eggs. There are a couple possibilities. One is that they are unfertilized. After the female lays a row of eggs, the male mixes his sperm over them. Sometimes there will be some that may not get fertilized.

The other possibility is that they have fungus. This is unlikely because the male clown will fan the eggs with his pectoral fins.

Eggs that are not orange//red when first layed does not mean bad eggs. It just reflects what the parents have been eating, and that will directly effect the condition of the eggs. Feeding them just one thing will probably lead to light tan/pink eggs. When I fed my premnas pair only mysis shrimp for a week, they laid light pink/peach eggs. At that time, I had too much of it, so that's all I fed. However, if I were to raise them, i'd bulk the female up with a variety of foods with protein.

- Elmo