Nothobranchius palmqvisti

Breeding

 * These fish are soil spawners. They lay their eggs into the substrate, because of this peat is often used as the substrate or is contained in tubs on the tank bottom. The parents spawn a few eggs during every embrace with embraces occurring fairly frequently. It is possible to get up to 100 eggs very quickly with the right diet. The peat must then be collected, dried to the consistency of pipe tobacco, and stored between for some weeks. The amount of time required to store the eggs varies depending on a number of factors including age of fish and temperature. It is possible to tell when eggs are "ready" by viewing under a microscope. They should have a clearly visible eye which is surrounded by a gold ring. These eggs are referred to as "eyed-up" and are ready to be hatched. Once storing has been completed and the eyed-up eggs are ready, the peat is re-wet. After about 2 hours fry will begin to hatch. First foods should be very small i.e. rotifers and/or vinegar eels progressing after a few days onto baby brine shrimp. Growth rates are fast so ensure large amounts of food for the fry.