Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp Kit

The Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp, scientifically known as streptocephalus mackini, was identified by John Percy Moore Pearse in 1966. Belonging to the family Streptocephalidae, this species inhabits various habitats, such as ephemeral pools and it is present throughout warmer seasons of the year. Their presence is tied to the monsoon season which occurs from June to September in the southwest deserts of North America.

Although they are commonly found in playas or ephemerals pools, they can also be seen in various other environments like roadside ditches. These creatures are frequently spotted in Mexico, and the United States, including states like Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.

The Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp (Streptocephalus mackini) has a life cycle that is perfectly adapted to the temporary nature of the desert. It commences with resilient eggs, known as cysts, which can stay dormant for extended periods until rain returns.

Once the ephemeral pools are filled with rainwater, these cysts hatch, and the larvae develop rapidly, making the most of the short-lived water availability. In a matter of weeks, they reach adulthood, swiftly reproducing to lay the next generation of drought-resistant eggs.

When the pools dry out, the adult shrimp perish, but the cysts remain viable, poised to hatch when the next rainfall arrives. This swift progression and the capacity to produce drought-resistant eggs are crucial for the species' survival in such transient surroundings.

Identify by Anatomy

Starting your Kit!

Temperature Consideration:

Chihuahuan Desert fairy shrimp have the ability to withstand a broad spectrum of temperatures but prefer ranges from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These creatures flourish best at room temperature, thriving effortlessly under these circumstances.

Container Size:

Choose a glass container that can hold between 1 and 3 gallons. Use bleach to clean the container, but steer clear of soap or detergents, as their leftover residue may be detrimental to the shrimp.

Lighting:

To replicate the natural day cycle, either position the tank close to a sunny window or use LED lighting for approximately 8 hours each day.

Water:

Spring water is recommended for its essential minerals that benefit the shrimp. Avoid using tap water as it may be detrimental to the fairy shrimp since it may contain chlorine and heavy metals.

Substrate:

Mix the substrate packet with water, comprising a blend of 4 parts sand and 1 part compost. Over time, minerals will leach from the substrate, enhancing the water's hardness, ideal for the shrimp. The substrate packet contains bacteria, algae, and fungi that serve as food for the fairy shrimp. It is advisable to wait 1 to 2 days before introducing the eggs to enable the growth of these microorganisms. You can gently stir the substrate to aid in its sinking process; it might take up to a day for all the material to settle.

Aeration:

While not required, using an air pump to increase aeration can enhance hatching rates, increase algae, and support a higher number of fairy shrimp. If using, use a light flow of air, as fairy shrimp are not strong swimmers and can be easily injured.

Adding Eggs:

Add the egg packet. Hatching should occur 1 to 3 days after exposure to water.

Fairy Shrimp Care:

Hatching:

After a few days, the fairy shrimp eggs should hatch. At this stage, they will be barely visible to the naked eye. Darken the room and shine a flashlight into the side of the container to view them, as they are attracted to bright lights.

Initial Feeding:

Mix 2 spoons of food into 1/4 cup of dechlorinated water. Ensure the food is fully dissolved to avoid clumping. Use a dropper to add 3–5 drops of the food solution per 1 gallon of tank water. You may not need to feed for a while, as fairy shrimp should have plenty of microbes to feed on.

Feeding:

As the fairy shrimps grow, feed once daily, or every other day if the tank is small or lightly stocked. Use a dropper to add 5-10 drops of the food solution per 1 gallon of tank water.

The water should appear slightly hazy but not milky. Overfeeding can cause oxygen depletion. If the water becomes murky, hold off on feeding until it clears up. Make sure not to feed too much, as an excess of food can harm your fairy shrimp.

Water Maintenance:

Avoid water changes; instead, slowly add water to refill the water level if necessary. As the water evaporates, top it off with fresh spring water. If a “scum” develops on the water surface, gently remove it with a piece of paper towel.

Long-Term Care:

Lifespan:

Make sure to keep an eye on the water quality, feeding patterns, and general health to guarantee the welfare of your fairy shrimp. Fairy shrimp typically live for approximately 6 to 8 weeks with regular care, at which point they will begin to perish due to old age, although a few individuals may survive for a longer period. If successful, numerous eggs will settle at the bottom; let them dry and rehydrate with water to witness the emergence of the second generation.