What To Feed Baby Shrimp: A Complete Guide for Shrimp Breeders

Raising baby shrimp can be an incredibly rewarding experience for any aquarist However, ensuring their health and survival requires more than just placing them in a tank One of the most critical aspects of caring for baby shrimp is figuring out what to feed them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the dietary needs of baby shrimp, how to create an optimal environment, and the best feeding practices to raise happy, healthy shrimp.

Understanding the Dietary Requirements of Baby Shrimp

Baby shrimp have very specific nutritional needs, especially in their first few weeks after hatching. Their diet should consist primarily of naturally occurring food sources like algae and biofilm.

Algae forms a crucial part of their diet In a mature, planted aquarium, algae naturally grows on surfaces exposed to light. This microalgae provides protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that promote growth in baby shrimp

Biofilm is another essential component. Biofilm refers to the slimy layer of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and diatoms that accumulates on submerged surfaces. For baby shrimp, biofilm serves as a nutritious buffet, rich in protein, fats, and micronutrients.

While algae and biofilm should make up the bulk of their diet, supplementation with specialty foods may sometimes be required:

• Powdered fry food that can disperse through the water column.

• Crushed flakes that slowly sink and are easy for babies to nibble on.

• Shrimp-specific powder foods like Bacter AE which is formulated to meet nutritional requirements.

The key is to use these supplementary foods judiciously. Overfeeding can pollute the water and encourage uneaten food to decay.

Setting Up the Ideal Shrimp Nursery Habitat

Providing an optimal living environment is just as important as diet for raising healthy baby shrimp. Here are some key elements for setting up a thriving shrimp nursery:

• Established aquarium: Baby shrimp do best in a mature tank with adequate algae/biofilm growth. Cycling a new tank before adding babies is crucial.

• Plenty of plants: Both rooted and floating plants not only offer security but also increase surfaces for algae/biofilm accumulation. They also help maintain water quality.

• Hiding spots: Shrimp feel vulnerable after molting and need ample hiding places like moss, cholla wood, leaf litter.

• Stable parameters: Maintaining proper GH, KH, pH and temperature provides ideal water conditions for development and growth.

• Shrimp-safe filter: Use a sponge filter or pre-filter sponge on the intake to prevent babies getting sucked in.

• Supplemental air stone: The increased surface agitation promotes beneficial biofilm growth.

Best Practices for Feeding Baby Shrimp

1. Use natural food first: Allow algae and biofilm to be the primary food sources before supplementing with specialty foods.

2. Start slowly with supplements: Introduce powdered/crushed shrimp foods sparingly at first. Observe if babies take to it before increasing quantity.

3. Feed a little and often: Small amounts of powdered food 2-3 times a day is ideal. Uneaten excess food can foul the water.

4. Sprinkle powdered food: Distribute powdered supplements evenly throughout the tank so all babies can access it easily.

5. Crush flakes into tiny bits: Break down flakes to a size that babies can comfortably nibble on. Sinking pellets can also be crushed.

6. ** Avoid overfeeding:** Excess uneaten food negatively impacts water parameters. Observe if babies are actively feeding and adjust portions accordingly.

7. Remove uneaten food: Use a pipette or turkey baster to siphon out any excess powdered/crushed food after a couple of hours.

Common Live and Supplemental Feeds for Baby Shrimp

Algae and Biofilm: As mentioned earlier, these naturally occurring foods should form the foundation of baby shrimp nutrition.

Powdered Fry Food: Finely ground protein-rich powder that disperses through the water column for easy access. Brands like Hikari First Bites are suitable.

Crushed Flakes: High quality protein-rich flakes crushed into tiny bits and allowed to sink for babies to nibble on.

Shrimp Powder Food: Specialized products like Bacter AE, Shrimp Baby, and Liquid Fry Food made specifically for baby shrimp.

Infusoria: A soup of microorganisms cultivated from green water, leaves, etc. Very nutritious but requires preparation.

Microworms: Tiny worms raised as live food. Convenient to culture at home and excellent protein source for young shrimp.

When to Separate Baby Shrimp

Raising babies in the main tank provides natural food sources but adults may outcompete babies for food. Here are some signs it may be time to move babies into a dedicated nursery tank:

• Babies appear small for their age and show slow growth

• You notice adults actively chasing away babies from food

• Water parameters are difficult to maintain with increasing bioload

• Population density is so high that babies may get insufficient food

• Aggressive tankmates like fish nibble at or prey on babies

A nursery tank with plentiful natural food, supplemented with powered/live feeds lets babies growfaster without competition.

Common Baby Shrimp Feeding Problems and Solutions

Problem: Babies show minimal interest in supplemental powdered foods.

Solution: The tank likely already has adequate natural food. Reduce or eliminate supplemental feeding.

Problem: Excess powdered food accumulating on surfaces, fouling water.

Solution: Feed less and increase frequency. Siphon out any uneaten excess after a couple of hours.

Problem: Babies appear lethargic and uninterested in eating.

Solution: Test water parameters. Issues like ammonia spikes, low oxygen levels or incorrect GH/KH could be affecting health.

Problem: Babies clinging to filter intake.

Solution: Use sponge pre-filter on intake. Also feed more to promote natural grazing behavior.

With their tiny size and voracious appetites, feeding baby shrimp can seem complicated at first. But following their natural nutritional preferences, maintaining a pristine living environment, and adopting good feeding techniques can lead to excellent survival and growth rates. The reward of watching a new generation of vibrant healthy shrimp thrive under your care is incredibly fulfilling!