🦐 Daphnia Care Guide (Daphnia magna / Daphnia pulex)
🌟 Overview Daphnia, also known as “water fleas,” are tiny freshwater crustaceans commonly used as live food for aquarium fish. Nutritious, high in protein, and gut-loadable with vitamins, they are excellent for conditioning fish, promoting breeding, and raising fry. Easy to culture and maintain, Daphnia are a sustainable live food option for hobbyists.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Names: Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex
- Common Name: Daphnia, Water Fleas
- Use: Live food for aquarium fish and fry
- Nutritional Value: High protein, low fat, gut-loadable
- Care Level: Easy
🏠 Storage & Housing
- Container: Shallow tub, bucket, or small aquarium
- Water: Dechlorinated or aged freshwater
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Aeration: Gentle air stone to circulate water
- Lighting: Indirect light; mild green water promotes growth
🍽️ Feeding Daphnia
- Feed lightly with:
- Green water (algae culture)
- Liquid spirulina or algae paste
- Baker’s yeast (very small pinches)
- Commercial fry foods (powdered)
- Avoid overfeeding — water should remain slightly cloudy, not foul.
🐟 Benefits for Fish
- Nutritious and easily digested live food
- Stimulates natural hunting behavior
- Excellent for fry and juvenile fish
- Helps promote breeding in adults
- Gut-load with spirulina or vitamins for added nutrition
🧠 Tips & Maintenance
- Harvest small amounts daily with a fine net or turkey baster
- Replace harvested water with fresh, dechlorinated water
- Maintain multiple cultures for stability (in case one crashes)
- Avoid drastic water changes; stable conditions are best
❓ FAQ
Q: How long can I keep Daphnia alive?
A: With proper care and feeding, cultures can be maintained indefinitely.
Q: Can I refrigerate Daphnia?
A: No, they require live cultures at room temperature — refrigeration will kill them.
Q: Do Daphnia clean water?
A: Yes, they feed on microalgae and suspended particles, but should not replace filtration.
Q: Are Daphnia safe for all fish?
A: Yes, they are an ideal live food for most freshwater species, especially fry and small community fish.