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 by small "jumps." By continuously filtering the water to feed on algae and fine particles, they clarify it while constituting an irresistible prey for fish: a dual role of filter + 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 stimulate the natural hunting instinct of fish by their jerky swimming.
- Low tech cycle: at the base of the balance of fishless aquariums, for which they ensure the essential cycles.
- Educational observation: fascinating to the naked eye or under a magnifying glass, daphnia are captivating for their mode of reproduction and their gregarious behavior.
Who are daphnia intended for?
- 🐠 Fish of all species (guppy, platy, betta, neon...).
- 🐟 Fry. Newly born daphnia are as small as Artemia nauplii, but not salty. To be given at the same age as micro worms, just after the eelworms.
- 💚 Tanks invaded by green water (then think of the ZollaBox Clear Water which uses the filtering power of daphnia)
- 🌱 Low tech tanks, poubellariums, school projects.
Live Daphnia FAQ
Will the Daphnia reproduce in my tank?
Unlikely: they are generally consumed by fish. Raise them in a dedicated container to have them available over time. To raise them more easily, consider the ZollaBox Poissons M which will provide you with strain, equipment, food, and a complete manual.
Do they need acclimation?
Yes, it is always preferable if you want to raise them. All living beings 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 thus remove suspended particles. This is how they eliminate green water, for example.
How long can I keep them?
From 2 to 5 days refrigerated (8-15°C), out of their bag, with a very light bubbler and partial water changes.
Are they suitable for all fish?
Yes, except for very large fish that prefer bigger prey. They are the basis of the natural diet of goldfish along with duckweed.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Daphnia magna and other related species
- Size: 1 to 2 mm
- Packaging: live strain ready to introduce (~ one hundred individuals)
- Guarantee: we raise our Daphnia without direct or indirect contact with fish, without additives, 100% naturally. Harvested the very morning of shipment.
- Recommendation: as a precaution and out of respect for ecosystems, please never release your Daphnia into the wild
