Ecological Benefits & Nutritional Value
Daphnia Magna acts as a powerful catalyst for your fish's vitality. Their jerky, erratic swimming motion instantly triggers the natural hunting instincts of predatory and omnivorous fish. Structurally, Daphnia are an excellent source of essential protein and lipids, but they are uniquely prized for their high-fiber exoskeleton (chitin), which acts as a natural laxative and digestive regulator—preventing fatal bloating and swim bladder issues in species like Bettas and Fancy Goldfish. Furthermore, when loaded with green water (microalgae), they deliver a massive dose of vitamins directly to your fish.
Our cultures are strictly cultivated in biosecure, controlled environments to guarantee they are free from hydra, planaria, and unwanted pathogens. Each starter culture is harvested and packed with a dense concentration of active individuals on the day of shipping.
🌡️ Professional Biological Specifications
Parameter | Requirement | Technical Notes |
Scientific Name | Daphnia magna | Larger and more robust than Daphnia pulex |
Cultivation Difficulty | Easy / Beginner Friendly | Extremely prolific if basic water hygiene is maintained |
Lighting Requirements | Medium to High | 12-14 hours of daily light is recommended to promote algae/green water growth |
Temperature Range | 18°C – 24°C (64°F – 75°F) | Prefers cooler water; reproduction slows down significantly above 28°C (82°F) |
Growth & Feeding | Continuous Filter Feeders | Feed with live green water (Chlorella), active dry yeast, or spirulina powder |
pH Tolerance | 6.5 – 8.5 | Prefers slightly alkaline, moderately hard water |
Water Hardness | GH 6–20 / KH 3–15 | Requires dissolved minerals (calcium) to successfully molt their shells |
🛠️ Cultivation & Maintenance Guide
Setting Up the Culture: Daphnia Magna should be cultured in a separate, dedicated container (a 5-to-10 gallon tank or clean food-grade bucket works best). Never use a standard motorized or internal filter, as it will suck in and kill the Daphnia. Instead, use a very gentle sponge filter or a simple airline tubing bubbling at a rate of 1–2 bubbles per second to prevent surface biofilm.
Feeding Protocol: Feed them 2–3 times a week, but only when the water becomes clear again. The water should be slightly cloudy after feeding (if using yeast or spirulina paste) and return to crystal clear within 24–48 hours. Overfeeding is the number one cause of culture crashes due to oxygen depletion.
Water Changes: Perform a 20% water change weekly using dechlorinated tap water or aged aquarium water. Use a fine-mesh net (around 150–250 microns) to siphon water out without catching the juvenile Daphnia.
Harvesting: Use a coarse fish net to scoop adults out of the culture tank and rinse them with fresh water before feeding them to your fish. Leave the smaller juveniles behind to sustain and regenerate the colony.