Mandarin Dragonet Juveniles: 28 Days Post Hatch

At four weeks old I've moved the two juveniles into a mesh-sided holding tank in a running system and stocked it with copepods. I aim to let them grow in here for another month or so until they are big enough to be released into the 10G tank they're in and not get killed by hydroids and the like, but while the different configuration and smaller space may cause problems, it is also a great way to observe them.
In terms of development, this is the first time under the microscope where I've been able to clearly see the fins behind their gills (used for swimming and hovering) moving like an adult's would, and you can see a single ray appear of their dorsal fin.

[@captivebredcanada]

Amazing work! I just saw some biota ones that were seriously smaller than sexy shrimp! I couldn't believe they were selling them at that size. Also I picked up another female (wild) to eventually pair with my second male, we conversed a bit earlier I have a pair together that show no interest in each other. Hopefully one day I can pick your brain on them. Again great work!