Brine Shrimp Fish Food
Brine shrimp are small crustaceans that inhabit inland lakes. Although brine shrimp are fed to freshwater fish the lakes where they originate are quite salty. As the lakes begin to dry out the shrimp will concentrate on reproduction. Eggs do not hatch immediately, instead they hibernate as a dry cyst until seasonal rains refresh the lake. Eggs cysts are harvested and sifted from the sand before being tested for quality and packaged for sale. Different grades correspond to the hatch rate you should expect to acheive.
Brine shrimp are easily hatched from the eggs when required as fry food. The shrimp can be raised to a larger size without to much fuss. Hatching requires that the eggs be circulated in salted water. Full instructions are included by the manufacturer.
Brine shrimp are fed to both fry and adult fish. The newly hatched shrimp are packed with nutrition because they have not yet absorbed and used their yolk sac. Their tiny size makes them popular with tiny new fish. Adult brine shrimp are consumed with relish by most adult fish.
There are two varieties of eggs available. One type has the eggs shells removed and are known as decapsulated brine shrimp eggs. These are convenient because the egg shells do not need to be separated after hatching. Typically they will also hatch faster making the shrimp available to your new fry in as little as 12 hours. Whole brine shrimp eggs are generally more affordable due to reduced processing costs.
Brine shrimp are also processed as an ingredient in many fish foods. Most quality fish food preparations will contain a portion of brine shrimp. Brine shrimp are also sold as brine shrimp flake and dried shrimp foods. Do not confuse these with brine shrimp food which is formulated to feed the baby shrimp through to adult hood.
Brine shrimp currently at eBay auction are displayed below. Also see the full range of brine shrimp products available from eBay stores
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