Decapsulated Eggs

Description

Harvested from the unique ecosystem of The Great Salt Lake in Utah, these Artemia cysts are specially processed non-hatching brine shrimp eggs designed for direct use as fish and coral food. Unlike traditional cysts that require hatching before feeding, these cysts have undergone a decapsulation process, which removes their tough outer shells. This makes them immediately ready to feed to delicate fry, smaller fish, and even corals, without the need for additional preparation.

Decapsulation involves chemically removing the hard shell of the cyst, leaving behind only the living embryo encased in a very thin, permeable membrane. This membrane protects the embryo while allowing it to absorb water. Because the hard shell is removed, fry and corals can easily consume these cysts without the risk of ingestion issues or shell-related digestive problems.

When first introduced to the tank, decapsulated Artemia cysts typically float on the water’s surface, gradually absorbing water. As they hydrate and increase in density, they begin to sink and disperse, aided by the water current. This movement allows for more natural feeding behavior among fish and corals. To maximize feeding efficiency, especially for corals that rely on passive suspension feeding, it is often recommended to presoak the cysts to hydrate fully and enhance their palatability and nutritional accessibility. Each cyst is packed with essential nutrients critical for the growth and health of aquatic life. They contain stored energy reserves such as lipids (fats), amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and enzymes, which are vital for the development and metabolism of fry and coral polyps. This nutrient-dense profile makes decapsulated Artemia cysts an excellent natural food source, supporting healthy growth and vibrant coloration.

To maintain their nutritional integrity, it is important to store decapsulated cysts in a cool environment, ideally in a refrigerator. Exposure to room temperature or warmer conditions accelerates the degradation of these sensitive nutrients, reducing their effectiveness as a food source. Proper storage ensures that each feeding delivers maximum health benefits to your aquatic pets and coral colonies.