Clam Shrimp

Care Guide / Instructions

Temperature Consideration: Different Clam shrimp species thrive at different temperatures. Refer to the temperature ranges below for optimal conditions for most species of each genus.

Warm water species: 70 to 80°F

• Cyzicus sp.

• Eocyzicus sp.

• Leptestheria sp.

  
  

Cool water species: 50 to 75°F

• Eulimnadia sp.

  
  

Cold water species: 32 to 60°F

• Lynceus sp.

Container Size: Choose a glass container with a capacity of 1 to 3 gallons. Use bleach to clean the container; do not use soap or any detergents as the residue can be harmful.

Lighting: Place the tank near a sunny window or provide LED lighting for approximately 8 hours daily to mimic the natural day cycle.

Water: Spring water is a great option as it contains necessary minerals for most shrimp to thrive.

Substrate: Add 1 cup of substrate per gallon of water. A combination of 4 parts sand, and 1 part compost (rinsed) are highly effective for most species. Additional minerals may be required contingent upon species for optimal growth.

Microorganism Growth: The compost contains bacteria, algae, and fungi that clam shrimp will eat and is a good source of detritus. Allow the water to sit for 1 to 2 days before introducing the eggs to let these microbes grow.

Aeration: This step is not required but can be beneficial. Using an air pump to increase aeration will enhance hatching rates, help increase algae and support a higher number of clam shrimps.

Adding Eggs: Introduce half of the egg packet to ensure more eggs to work with if the first batch does not succeed. Hatching should occur 1 to 3 days after exposure to water for most species.

Tadpole Shrimp Care:

Hatching: After a few days, the clam 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 a small amount of yeast in distilled water, allow to dissolve and add a few drops to the tank. Water should slightly hazy. You may not need to feed for a while, as fairy shrimps should have plenty of microbes to feed on.

Feeding: Wait a 2-3 days before adding another small amount of yeast solution. Gradually increase the quantity every few days as the clam shrimps grow. If the water becomes cloudy, refrain from feeding until it clears. Observe their digestive tract; if it appears clear, they may not be getting enough food. The digestive tract should ideally be deep green or brown. Feed as necessary each day.

Avoid Overfeeding: Be cautious not to overfeed, as excessive waste buildup can be detrimental to your clam shrimps.

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:

Maintenance: Continue to monitor water quality, feeding habits, and overall condition to ensure the well-being of your clam shrimps.

Water Quality: Keep an eye on water quality as the shrimps grow. If you notice the water becoming discolored (brown or green), it's a sign of diminishing water quality. Consider transferring the shrimps to a larger container or adding a bubble filter to improve water circulation and filtration.

Shrimp Growth: As the clam shrimps grow larger, adjust the feeding amount.

Lifespan: With consistent care, clam shrimp have a lifespan of about 6 to 8 weeks, after which they will start to die off from old age; however, some may live longer than 8 weeks.