My acf laid eggs

[Kurt]

I would give it a week, but I am just guessing. Terry is the one you want to talk to.

[Jenste]

Thanks Kurt. I send Terry a message asking that they give my thread another look over to see if they can offer me any more advice!

If this batch is unsuccessful (I am starting to think that my male may have not fertilized the eggs properly) then I will try setting him up with my other adult female Kirby.

If at first you don't succeed....? difference is - if this first batch fails and the second batch fails, I will keep Phantom separated from the females for a few months. I read that ACF females should not be breed more than a few times a year - I would not want to risk their health for my learning curve!

[Jenste]

Picture of egg - - is this what a healthy, viable egg or an unfertilized egg?

I heard that eggs would have a membrane around them - or has this passed membrane and gone on to fungus?

[tgampper]

Hi Jen:

The pix is quite blurry, but I am allmost sure that the egg is unfertilized. It look like there is a fungal growth covering the egg (look for a cotton-like fuzz). I would remove any fuzzy eggs, if they aren't, keep them for another week or so. You are correct, females should only mate 3-4 times a year to remain healthy and vibrant frogs. It is possible that the female may be too young (usually females mature in 9 months). I would separate them for three months and try again. When you are ready to try again, lower the water to 5 inches and raise the temperature to about 85(F). This will stimulate the production of eggs. Then raise the water level to at least 8 inches and lower the temperature by adding ice cubes to the water. The higher water level and lowering the temperature will drive the male crazy and hopefully successful breeding will begin. In Africa, these frogs breed during the cooler months and during periods of flooding. It just might work.

Good luck

[Jenste]

I have owned all three since august/september so they are atleast 10 - 11 months old.

It feels like maybe the male missed (poor guy!)

I will go through the tank and remove any that look bad....

If laid 72+ hrs ago...should they at least be "c" or tadpoles?

[tgampper]

I have owned all three since august/september so they are atleast 10 - 11 months old.

It feels like maybe the male missed (poor guy!)

It takes a little longer for the males to become sexually mature, 12-13 months.

I will go through the tank and remove any that look bad....

If laid 72+ hrs ago...should they at least be "c" or tadpoles?

Usually eggs hatch within 72 hours, if not, they are most likely unfertilized. I am not sure if you have seen Xenopus tadpoles, but they are somewhat bizarre compared with taddies of other species.

[Jenste]

thanks - - have no idea what happened to that one that looked promising - will gently take out bad eggs and see if anything can be seen in the tank--- if that one itty bitty egg was becoming a tadpole i hope i can find it!