Hi Guys,
I think I know what the problem is but would just like to check.

the following pic is of Astrophytum myriostigma quad

I think they are elongated because of lack of light - what do you think?

WT,
I'd agree and say that there was enough light. Too much and they get stunted and turn red - these are obviously a healthy green, but elongated.

Actually I have some echinocactus grusonii that just hatched and they are more elongated than I would have thought.

Give them more light and they are sure to fatten up. I have found the myriostigma are a bit longer than the asterias though, so there would be that to explain away some of their length.

Lookin pretty healthy tho.
cheers
Calycium

They look about normal to me, possible mild etiolation but they look fine to me. Calycium said it, Myrios tend to elongate especially new seedlings, nearly all seedlings do (especially Grusonii Calycium). In the coming weeks they will start to photosynthesize and will slowly begin to take on the classic astro shape

Etiolation, which is lack of light, is almost impossible as seedlings due to them using "stored energy". How old are they ?

hmm. a couple of weeks maybe.
I have replaced my paper shade with a thinner bit of paper.

Thanks HM,
(about my grusonii) I had thought they might be more ball-like in structure and not quite as elongated as they are. I put it down to autumn/winter propogation.
Thanks for that info about seedlings.