Other
Brine Shrimp (live, frozen or freeze-dried)
Small crustacean widely used as a live or preserved food for fish, especially fry and small species.
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Who can eat it
Tropical fishFish fryBetta fishSome invertebrates
Not suitable for
MammalsBirdsReptiles
Benefits
- Excellent first food for newly hatched fry
- Stimulates natural hunting behaviour in adult fish
- Available in convenient frozen cubes
Risks
- Overfeeding pollutes water and drives up ammonia
- Home-hatched live brine shrimp needs clean culture water to avoid introducing contaminants
Preparation and serving
- Preparation
- Thaw frozen portions in a small amount of tank water before adding; rinse live shrimp before feeding.
- Serving guidance
- Small amounts fed once or twice daily, only as much as fish will clear in a minute or two.
Before offering brine shrimp (live, frozen or freeze-dried)
- Check the exact animal and preparation: the listed suitability is Tropical fish; Fish fry; Betta fish; Some invertebrates. A food being edible does not make it a complete diet.
- Follow the preparation advice: Thaw frozen portions in a small amount of tank water before adding; rinse live shrimp before feeding. Do not substitute a seasoned or processed version and assume the same safety.
- Portion guidance: Small amounts fed once or twice daily, only as much as fish will clear in a minute or two. For a pet on a prescribed diet, discuss extras with the vet first.
- If your pet develops vomiting, diarrhoea or discomfort, stop offering the extra and seek advice. Suspected poisoning or breathing difficulty needs immediate veterinary help.
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