Question: Neotenic Alpines

[obrowell]

So most of my apuanus have morphed about 2/3 weeks ago and the ones that I have held onto are doing really well. However two of them are still happily swimming about with their gills in full bloom, showing no signs of morphing. I know this happens sometimes but I was wondering how normal this is and roughly how long they stay like this? Further to this is there anything that can stimulate the morphing process?

Oh and finally....I promise...what about the colouration? Will their adult colours still develop or will they stay a greyish mottled colour?

Thanks

 

[Azhael]

Just because they haven´t morphed yet it doesn´t mean they won´t. True neoteny is certainly possible in I.alpestris but it´s not that common. Most apparently neotenic animals end up morphing sooner or later.
Now, if they trully are neotenic, it can last their whole lives. However, metamorphosis can be induced (although i don´t see the point).
The coloration should develop very much the same as any other adult. There might be some minor differences to go with the morphological ones, but otherwise, it´s the very same.