Hibernating 2 inch baby common snapper

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Cod

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 23, 2013
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Michigan
I hatch this baby snapper in early August, and it's about 2 inches now. It's getting cold here in Michigan and we don't turn on the heat real high. I was wondering how I should hibernate it. Right now i have my tank filled w/ gravel/sand/rocks and an inch or 2 of water. It's burying itself in the substrate. Will it be ok like that for the next couple months until spring arrives. I know adult snappers hibernate in the mud bottom of bodies of waters. Just need advice thank you.
 
I hibernated one like that for several years successfully. Then he escaped.
 
Hopefully it made its way to a suitable body of water.
 
I would just go buy a small submersible heater and not mess with trying to hibernate him. I have never tried to put anything into hibernation, but I don't think it's something you want to do if you don't know what you're doing.
 
I would just go buy a small submersible heater and not mess with trying to hibernate him. I have never tried to put anything into hibernation, but I don't think it's something you want to do if you don't know what you're doing.

I agree, they need to be healthy enough to go without feeding for a couple months and they can be rather fragile at that size
 
I have two - I keep them in unheated tanks - I cannot imagine you allow your house to freeze inside ? Just keep the tank running as usual - and he will just slow WAY DOWN, and pretty much not eat. If he shows interest in food (looking hungry) - then feed him. This is what mine do.
If you heat the tank, he won't hibernate (from previous experience) which is fine too - just keep feeding.
They do in fact remain active through the winter, from time to time. There are accounts of seeing them swimming underneath ice.
 
Do not hibernate one that small.
 
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