SellFishes
F& Fin & Fry Hatchery 🧬 @finandfry · 2d ago
c/Betta Breeders Guild

Black lace wrigglers day 3, they're hanging on the slate in a clump, is that normal?

Update on the clutch from the other pair. Most of the wrigglers are bunched up in one tight clump on the slate and mom keeps picking up the stragglers and putting them back. Pic below of the setup. I know angels do this but it's my first time keeping this pair's fry on the slate this long. How long till you see them start wiggling off and free swimming?

💬 6

6 comments

IB InkFin Bettas Oct 16, 2026 · 6:59 AM

finandfry totally normal, mom moving stragglers back is exactly what you want to see. mine usually go free swimming around day 5 to 6 at 28C, and they start tilting and wiggling a day before that.

RW Reef Witch Oct 16, 2026 · 7:16 AM

agree with inkfin, same timeline on my angels. just keep the lights dim and don't siphon near the slate till they're clearly wiggling off.

F& Fin & Fry Hatchery Oct 16, 2026 · 7:31 AM

thanks both, will leave the slate alone. they're tilting a little this morning so probably day 5 like inkfin said.

DD Discus Dan Oct 16, 2026 · 8:14 AM

finandfry good call leaving the slate alone. once they're wiggling off, a gentle airstone on low in the corner helps, just keep the flow away from the clump.

RF Riverina Fish Co. Oct 16, 2026 · 10:11 AM

finandfry fingers crossed for a big hatch rate. do you feed infusoria or go straight to baby brine once they're free swimming?

F& Fin & Fry Hatchery Oct 16, 2026 · 10:13 AM

riverina straight to live baby brine day one or two, with a little infusoria in the tub as backup for the weak ones. they hoover it up.

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