There were **3 individuals** in the isolation case, and upon thoroughly searching the 60-wide tank just in case, an additional **3 individuals** were found. A total of **6 individuals** have been confirmed.
To be honest, I was expecting a few more. Considering the number of eggs laid, it wouldn’t be strange to have a few more, but upon counting, there are 6. Since each of them is actively moving around, I’m relieved for now.
As you can see from the photo, they are still very small, and their body patterns have only just begun to faintly appear. I’m looking forward to seeing the characteristic white and black stripes of the Imperial Zebra Pleco gradually become clearer.
Afterward — One Escaped from the Isolation Case
Afterward, **one individual escaped** from the isolation case. Currently, there are **2 individuals** in the isolation case and **4 or more individuals** in the 60-wide tank. Since there are many places to hide in the wide tank, there might still be individuals that haven’t been found yet.
I’ve realized again that careful management of the isolation case is necessary, as fry can slip through gaps more than imagined. I can only hope that the escaped individual remains safe in the wide tank.
Regarding the Number of 6 Individuals
The number of eggs laid by Imperial Zebra Pleco in a single spawning is generally said to be around 10 to 20. Since not all of them hatch and survive, 6 individuals is by no means a small number. However, because my expectations were high, I also feel a little let down.
There’s also a non-zero possibility that there are still individuals hiding in the corners of the tank or under shelters, so I will continue to observe without rushing.
Future Management
The 2 individuals in the isolation case will continue to be managed there, while the 4 or more individuals in the wide tank will be monitored within the entire tank. I will continue to record their progress, feeding them primarily brine shrimp, and hoping that all of them grow up safely.
コメント