Development?

[Gayle]

Well it is now week three and the gourami fry are really beginning to go all sorts of ways developmentally. There are several very large ones that now have their pectoral fins, the gourami shape to their body, and the starts of their feelers. There are also lots in the medium size that have the pectoral fins, good shape, but no feelers, and do not appear to have as many internal organs. The smaller ones, well they do not really have much more going on than just the tails, and spots. I am wondering if I should thin them out again. I am really have no idea if the smaller ones will ever catch up. I also noticed the larger ones going to the top of the water a lot more, I am assuming that is a good sign that they may be developing their labyrinth organs. The smaller ones however stay close to the bottom, wait for the food to sink to them, and are much more timid. What do you guys think?

[Ryuu]

IMO, I think you should let them develop on there own. I had guppy fry a while ago (I know its not gourami) and some got really big really fast, while others stayed small, I gave the small ones another more month, and now there larger then the big ones. The point; I think they all develop at different times, some faster then others, and if the smaller ones do end up being runts, they probably will perish on there own, but some may survive. As for the ones at the top. I think that is there labrynth organs. It must be cool watching them develop =D Good luck with them in the future!

P.S.-Are you planning on keepign them, or selling them?

[Gayle]

I am going to keep 2, I have homes for atleast a dozen more, if they make it. I was concerned because I was under the impression that if their labyrinth organ does not develop during the third and fourth week, than it would never develop.

[Ryuu]

I think it will develop eventually, there are always a few "racers" in a batch of fry that get there details right away, and then theres the normal, and the slower. If they do develop there organ, all they will need is an airstone, so all in all, not to big of a deal?