Weeks 1–3: Hatching and Micro Live-Feed Protocol
Fry hatched 36 hours post-spawn at water temperature 27.5°C. Yolk sac sustained nutrition for the first 3 days. On day 4, infusoria and paramecium feeding began, transitioning to sterile freshly hatched Artemia nauplii (BBS) on day 7.
Key Note: Low mortality key: Eliminate mechanical vibration and keep spawn tank ambient temperature stable within 1°C.
Weeks 4–8: Ray Branching and Crown Formation
By week 6, Crown Tail morphological traits emerged with double-ray branching on anal and caudal fins. Gradual drip water changes (20% every two days) promoted cartilage elongation without fin curling risk.
Weeks 9–16: Metallic Hulk Copper Expression and Bottling
Metallic green copper iridophore pigmentation solidified over 90% of body scales by week 12. At this stage, male juveniles were bottled into 4-liter solitary jars to condition flaring posture and encourage perfect 180-degree spread.