Live daphnia: active filtration and natural food for fish
What is a Daphnia?
Daphnia, the famous “water fleas,” are tiny freshwater crustaceans (for example Daphnia magna) that swim in small “jumps.” By continuously filtering the water to feed on algae and fine particles, they clarify it while also providing an irresistible prey for fish: a dual role as filter and natural food. In nature, daphnia are at the base of the food chain, somewhat like “krill” in the ocean. They are an important part of the zooplankton.
Why use Daphnia in a natural aquarium?
- Active filtration: reduce green or cloudy water by consuming microscopic algae, bacteria, or fine suspended organic matter.
- Rich live food: ~60% protein, irresistibly stimulating fish's natural hunting instinct through their jerky swimming.
- Low-tech cycle: at the foundation of the balance of fishless aquariums, where they handle most of the cycles.
- Educational observation: fascinating to the naked eye or under a magnifying glass, daphnia are captivating because of their reproductive method and their social behavior.
Who are daphnia intended for?
- 🐠 Fish of all species (guppy, platy, betta, neon tetra...).
- 🐟 Fry. Newly hatched daphnia are as small as brine shrimp nauplii, but not salty. Feed them at the same age as micro worms, just after vinegar eels.
- 💚 Tanks overrun with green water (in that case, consider the ZollaBox Clear Water, which uses the filtering power of daphnia)
- 🌱 Low-tech tanks, container ponds, school projects.
Live Daphnia FAQ
Will the daphnia reproduce in my tank?
Unlikely: fish generally eat them. Raise them in a dedicated container so you can have them available over time. To raise them more easily, consider the ZollaBox Poissons M, which will provide you with a culture, equipment, food, and complete instructions.
Do they need to be acclimatized?
Yes, acclimatizing them is always preferable if you want to raise them. All living things are sensitive to stress and sudden changes. Otherwise, you can distribute them directly.
Do they pollute the water?
On the contrary: they actively filter it and thereby remove suspended particles. This is how they eliminate green water, for example.
How long can I keep them?
For 2 to 5 days in a cool place (8–15°C), out of their bag, with a very gentle air bubbler and partial water changes.
Are they suitable for all fish?
Yes, except for very large fish that prefer larger prey. They are the foundation of goldfish's natural diet, along with duckweed.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Daphnia magna and other closely related species
- Size: 1 to 2 mm
- Packaging: live culture ready to introduce (~ one hundred individuals)
- Guarantee: we raise our daphnia without direct or indirect contact with fish, without additives, 100% naturally. Harvested the morning of shipment.
- Recommendation: As a precaution and out of respect for ecosystems, please never release your daphnia into the wild
