At 4 to 8 days post-hatch, the yolk sac and oil globule are assimilated, the mouthparts developed and fry begin to feed. Fry may be transported when they are 1 to 2 days of age. Mortality at the age of 1 to 2 days is less than if the fry are transported at 4 to 5 days of age. Larvae are concentrated in the aquarium and then dipped from the aquarium into plastic bags. Bags are placed in styrofoam containers with approximately 2 gallons of water.
All air is expelled from the bag and oxygen is added to fill the bag.
Larvae can survive well in these containers for 48 hours. Fry may be stocked into fertilized ponds during the time period of dusk to dawn because exposure to ultraviolet light may kill them. Bags of fry should be floated in the pond for about 30 minutes to allow the temperature to equilibrate. After the bags have been opened small amounts of pond water should be added periodically for the next 10 to 20 minutes to allow the fry a chance to adjust to any differences in water quality.