microcrustaceans

Do the various "microcrustaceans" such as daphina, cyclops, ostrocods, etc. make good fish food?

If so can they be raised in captivity? what is the best way to capture them?

They make excellent fish food and are easy to raise. Most do well on a diet of green water, active yeast, filter squeezings, paramecia or "infusoria" (you can get infusoria to grow by crushing up lettuce or other vegetation and allowing to sit in water), and crushed fish food. A sponge filter will help control nitrogenous waste and add a little aeration.

You can catch plenty of microcrustaceans by sweeping a fine net through almost any body of water. You'll get higher numbers in fishless ponds. Brine shrimp nets and 'soft-touch' aquarium nets work well. You can also make a net with pantyhose stretched over a frame.

Be sure to pick through your haul and remove any predacious insects you may have scooped up. They will prey on the crustaceans and potentially on small fish as well.

Edited by Newt, 06 May 2009 - 01:17 PM.

Most of our fish eat this in the wild. I just use a net and scoop up mud, leaves, and weeds and I get plenty of bugs to feed. Just avoid the giant waterbug and water scorpions.