Step 1: When delivered, the eggs are called eyed eggs. They will remain at this stage for 5 to 15 days. In nature, these eggs will be spread throughout the gravel on the stream bottom.
Step 2: The eggs will begin to hatch. All the eggs should hatch within 2 to 3 days of each other. At this point the fish are known a alevins.
Step 3: The alevins lay on the bottom and seldom move. They will feed off the remaining yolk sac which can be seen as the yellowish portion beneath the alevins. The Alevins will continue to feed upon this yolk sac for 2 to 3 weeks. At this time they are susceptible to bright lights. This is why we keep the tank lights off during this time. As the yolk sac is absorbed the fish will begin to wiggle and swim. As they begin to search for food they will swim to the surface. This is called buttoning up. While the fish are buttoning up, we will supply them with food. The food ranges in size. They will be fed size 0 food as they are buttoning up and will continue to feed them this until the fish grow larger. They will be fed larger size food as they progressivley grow.
Step 4: As the fish grow and reach one inch in length they are called fry. When they exceed 1 inch in length they are then called fingerlings.