GBR Spawning question.

[fastlight81]

I have a pair of GBR's that have spawned for the 5th time. I believe in letting nature takes its course and to be honest, I do not have time to try and raise the fry. Each time they get better. Today the eggs hatched. I can only see the old shells. My question is how long till they reach free swimming? Do the parents move the fry before free swimming? I ask this because I only see the old shells. He is still guarding the spot but I dont see any little tails moving so I am wondering if they are so small that I can't see them? I remeber years ago when my angels would spawn I would see little tails wiggling on the plant til they hit free swimming.
just need some insight about what goes on between hatching and free swimming with gbr's.
Thanks

 

[ronw007]

GBR's are more or less like angelfish when they spawn, except the GBR eggs are smaller and the fry are smaller as well. The parents can move the eggs/wigglers to a different spot in the tank, so you may have to look around to find them. The eggs will normally hatch in 2 to 3 days based on temp and you should see wigglers. It will take about 6 to 7 days before they are free swimming and then they will need to be fed. Hope this helps.

 

[fastlight81]

Yea eggs hatched today, I know that for sure, but if they were eaten I do not know. I don't see any wrigglers, but like I said he is still guarding the spot, where as before he just would leave the egg site be. IDK maybe I will see them later.