Live Food – Live Feeder Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture 100ml

Live Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture – Reliable Live Food for Australian Aquariums

Live Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture delivers these miniature crustaceans directly to your setup. Australian hobbyists rely on them to nourish fry and nano fish species. They also assist by breaking down leftover food and organic waste. This ready-to-grow culture often includes a bonus population of daphnia, making it a practical choice for home aquarists.

Size and Lifespan

Adults generally reach 0.2–3 mm in length. With proper care, they survive 1–2 years, although most function as a continuous live food supply within active cultures.

Ideal Tank Setup

Setting up requires minimal effort. Start with dechlorinated or aged aquarium water. Position the container in moderate lighting to promote algae development. Supplement sparingly with powdered foods to sustain healthy growth.

To replicate its natural habitat:

• Use any compact container, such as a jar, bottle, or small spare tank
• Keep water ata  stable room temperature with little to no water movement
• Add fine substrate, leaf litter, or plant debris for surface grazing
• Include light aeration when necessary to maintain oxygen levels

Compatible Tank Mates

Small peaceful fish readily consume these crustaceans. They work particularly well in breeding tanks and nano communities. Larger or aggressive species may deplete the population rapidly.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Guppies, endlers, and platies
• Small Corydoras species
• Neon tetras, ember tetras, and rasboras
• Betta fry and juvenile bettas
• Young killifish and pencilfish

Diet and Feeding

Acts as natural filter feeders. They graze on algae films, bacteria, detritus, and decaying plant matter. In home cultures, add small pinches of spirulina powder, baker’s yeast, or crushed fish flakes every few days to encourage steady reproduction.

Breeding and Behaviour of Live Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture

These ostracods breed prolifically, primarily through egg-laying, with some populations showing parthenogenetic reproduction. Females produce resistant eggs capable of surviving dry conditions. They remain active swimmers but quickly hide in the substrate when threatened. In aquariums, they forage continuously and increase in numbers when conditions remain stable.

Species Overview

• Species – Ostracoda (various Podocopida species)
• Common Name – Seed Shrimp / Ostracod
• Origin – Widespread, including Australia and freshwater habitats worldwide
• Diet – Omnivore (mainly detritivore/filter feeder)
• PH Range – 7.0-7.8
• Temperature – 20°C–26°C
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Current Size – 0.2–1 mm (in cultures)
• Max Size: 0.3 cm
• Tank Size: Any small container (e.g., 1–10 L for culturing)

FAQs about Live Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture

What size tank is ideal for Live Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture?
A small container, such as a jar, bottle, or nano tank, works perfectly for maintaining and expanding the culture.

Can they live with other fish?
Yes, many small and peaceful fish species actively feed on them as a natural live food source.

How often should I feed them?
Offer small amounts of spirulina, yeast, or crushed flakes every 3–5 days to support growth without polluting the water.

Do they need to be in groups?
They naturally multiply and perform best when kept in colonies within the culture container.

How long do they live?
Individuals typically survive 1–2 years, though they primarily serve as a renewable live food resource.

Add a Seed Shrimp Ostracod / Culture to Your Aquarium Today!