Observe the swimmerets gently; avoid catching or handling a berried female just to inspect her.

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.

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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.

Sources and further reading

Use these as general hobby references. Test your aquarium and confirm product guidance before making changes.