Hyalella azteca (scuds)

Quantity: 50+

Quality: Tank bred under lab conditions.

Suitable for: Small to medium sized fish, crayfish, crabs, axolotl, frogs. Amazing for algae and detritus removal in aquarium and ponds… Sub-optimal for shrimp tanks as they might outcompete for food.

Nutritional values: High in essential nutrients, protein and amino acids. Great for triggering predatory instinct in all fish, as they are free swimming and bottom dwelling.

Difficulty level: Very easy

Food: Omnivore; needs a protein source. Spirulina, fish food, blanched vegetables, bread, oatmeal, decaying plant matter…

Reproduction rate: Fast (Eggs; up to 40 every 3-4 weeks).

Water parameters: Temperature 5°C to 25°C, pH 6,5-8,5. High end values are better for optimal conditions.

Air pump: The culture water should be aerated continuously using an air stone.

Lighting: Not needed, but direct sunlight will boost algae growth for grazing.

Tank size: 5+L.

Substrate: No need, but any kind of surface enlarging material such as gravel will give them a larger “grazing area”.

Size: 5-10mm

Colouration: Red, brown, grey and green tones, depending on oxygen levels and food sources.

Age expectancy: Several months.