Look beneath the abdomen
A berried female carries a cluster of eggs attached under her abdomen, held by the swimmerets. The eggs may be visible as a compact mass that she fans and moves to keep water circulating.
A saddle behind the head is developing eggs in the ovaries, not proof that eggs have been fertilized or are being carried. Distinguish the two before estimating a hatch.
Keep conditions steady
Provide cover, stable water, and ordinary feeding. Avoid netting or repeatedly disturbing a female unless a clear safety issue requires intervention.
Egg color and development vary. A single photo cannot reliably diagnose whether eggs are viable, so watch the female and colony over time.
For your own tank
A berried female may fan the eggs and seek cover; these behaviors are part of normal care. Avoid catching her to inspect the cluster. Keep the tank settled, and remember that a saddle behind the head is not the same as eggs carried under the abdomen.
Use these as general hobby references. Test your aquarium and confirm product guidance before making changes.
