How to Culture Fairy Shrimp

Some aquarists keep the various species of fairy shrimp (Anostraca) for their own sake. They have an interesting life cycle and some species are appealing, with very large eyes and delicate bodies. Fairy shrimp are also widely cultured as a food for other aquarium animals, as they are high in protein and other nutrients. They may even improve the colors of some freshwater fish. Because the cost of live food can add up very quickly, raising your own supply is often worth the time, especially if you have more than one tank or very hungry fish. The exact needs of the different species of fairy shrimp vary, so research the one you plan to raise first. The basic set-up is much the same for most species.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon or larger tank with light and heater
  • Fairy shrimp eggs
  • Phytoplankton
  • Aquarium net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a small freshwater tank with a heater, if necessary for the species. A light supports the growth of the phytoplankton that fairy shrimp eat. Accessories such as gravel, rocks and aquatic plants are not necessary, and you may find culturing the fairy shrimp is easier without them.

    • 2

      Obtain fairy shrimp eggs from a reputable aquarium supplier. The eggs survive a long time out of water, in fact they must dry out before they hatch. Therefore purchasing them through mail order is perfectly reasonable, but ideally obtain a recommendation for the supplier. Aquarium forums are a good place to find such information. Shake the eggs into the tank.

    • 3

      Feed the fairy shrimp phytoplankton once they hatch. Phytoplankton is widely available from aquarium supply stores, or you can culture your own in jars. Add enough phytoplankton at a time to turn the water a light green and add more when the water clears.

    • 4

      Watch for the shrimp breeding. The females have noticeable swollen egg pouches shortly before they lay their eggs.

    • 5

      Let the adult shrimp die off naturally, which they normally do shortly after breeding. Remove the dead shrimp with a net.

    • 6

      Drain the tank after all the adults have expired. Remove the cover and let the eggs on the bottom become completely dry. This is necessary to trigger hatching. In the wild, many species of fairy shrimp live in shallow pools that periodically dry out. Alternatively, siphon up the eggs, allow them to dry, and place in a refrigerator for about a week.

    • 7

      Refill the tank with fresh, dechlorinated water one or two weeks after you drained it, depending on the species.