Desmognathus breeding success...now what?

Not for sale, for research purposes only.
 
Well, shucks. It looks like all of the eggs may not have been fertilized. I have been assuming that the darker, yellow color meant a fungal infection, but I suppose it could just be degradation? Fungal infections should be associated with white growth on the egg, correct?

Regardless, this begs the question of what's my best option to ensure the further development of the remaining embryos? Suggestions from others with breeding success in plethodontids?
 

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If the female is not attending them you probably don't have great chances with that clutch. A good batch would have the female staying with them, and often (at least in other species I've worked with) would eat the eggs that are not fertile or are have fungal infections.

If you have access to itraconazole you could try removing them and raising them away from the female over damp perlite. Carefully remove the bad eggs from the cluster and moisten the perlite with itraconazole in a solution of sterile water at 10mg/L. I have had moderate success with this protocol. Feel free to email me if you would like more details.
 
Ah, disregard that...I just noticed the female underneath them in your photo. Leave them alone with minimal disturbance. If she is still attending them the infertile eggs probably won't foul the others. They just sort of shrink up and become darker yellow...the cutaneous bacteria or skin secretions seem to inhibit deterioration of the infertile ones as well if the female remains in attendance.

Good luck! Looks like there are several developing :)
 
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