The Rock Pool Fairy Shrimp, also known as Packard's fairy shrimp or Branchinecta packardi, was identified by Arthur Sperry Pearse in 1912. Belonging to the family Branchinectidae, this species inhabits various habitats, such as ephemeral pools in rock outcrops, from where its name originates. It is present throughout all seasons of the year.
Although they are commonly found in rocky granite habitats, they can also be seen in various other environments. These creatures are frequently spotted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including states like Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.
In Texas, they can be easily found in central Texas, with a notable location being Enchanted Rock in Llano County. Enchanted Rock is a large pink granite dome situated in the Llano Uplift area of Texas, approximately 17 miles north of Fredericksburg. This impressive geological feature rises about 425 feet above the surrounding landscape and spans around 640 acres. The primary geochemical composition of Enchanted Rock is granite, which includes minerals like quartz, feldspar (both orthoclase and plagioclase), and mica.
At Enchanted Rock, where can fairy shrimp be found? The summit of Enchanted Rock is dotted with temporary pools. These pools are usually situated in shallow indentations and vary in size from a few millimeters to several meters deep
Supporting a variety of life forms, including small invertebrates like the rock pool fairy shrimp, these pools form distinctive microhabitats. Essential for the survival of these organisms, the pools offer a space for breeding and growth during the wet season.
The Rock Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta packardi) has a life cycle that is perfectly adapted to the temporary nature of its habitat. It commences with resilient eggs, known as cysts, which can stay dormant for extended periods.
Once the ephemeral pools are filled with rainwater, these cysts hatch, and the larvae develop rapidly, making the most of the short-lived water availability. In a matter of weeks, they reach adulthood, swiftly reproducing to lay the next generation of drought-resistant eggs.
When the pools dry out, the adult shrimp perish, but the cysts remain viable, poised to hatch when the next rainfall arrives. This swift progression and the capacity to produce drought-resistant eggs are crucial for the species' survival in such transient surroundings.
Starting your Kit!
Temperature Consideration:
Rock pool fairy shrimp have the ability to withstand a broad spectrum of temperatures, ranging from 50 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. These creatures flourish best at room temperature, thriving effortlessly under these circumstances.
Container Size:
Choose a glass container that can hold between 1 and 3 gallons. Use bleach to clean the container, but steer clear of soap or detergents, as their leftover residue may be detrimental to the shrimp.
Lighting:
To replicate the natural day cycle, either position the tank close to a sunny window or use LED lighting for approximately 8 hours each day.
Water:
Spring water is recommended for its essential minerals that benefit the shrimp. If distilled water is used, add a pinch of baking soda per gallon to provide necessary minerals. Avoid using tap water as it may be detrimental to the fairy shrimp.
Substrate:
Mix the substrate packet with water, comprising a blend of 4 parts sand and 1 part compost. Over time, minerals will leach from the substrate, enhancing the water's hardness, ideal for the shrimp. The substrate packet contains bacteria, algae, and fungi that serve as food for the fairy shrimp. It is advisable to wait 1 to 2 days before introducing the eggs to enable the growth of these microorganisms. You can gently stir the substrate to aid in its sinking process; it might take up to a day for all the material to settle.
Aeration:
While not required, using an air pump to increase aeration can enhance hatching rates, increase algae, and support a higher number of fairy shrimp. If using, use a light flow of air, as fairy shrimp are not strong swimmers and can be easily injured.
Adding Eggs:
Add the egg packet. Hatching should occur 1 to 3 days after exposure to water.
Fairy Shrimp Care:
Hatching:
After a few days, the fairy shrimp eggs should hatch. At this stage, they will be barely visible to the naked eye. Darken the room and shine a flashlight into the side of the container to view them, as they are attracted to bright lights.
Initial Feeding:
Evenly sprinkle a small amount of fairy shrimp food across the water surface on the 3rd day of hatching. You may not need to feed for a while, as fairy shrimp should have plenty of microbes to feed on.
Feeding:
Wait for a week or two before introducing a small amount of food again. Slowly raise the amount every few days as the fairy shrimp develop. If the water becomes murky, hold off on feeding until it clears up. Make sure not to feed too much, as an excess of food can harm your fairy shrimp.
Water Maintenance:
Avoid water changes; instead, slowly add water to refill the water level if necessary. As the water evaporates, top it off with fresh spring water. If a “scum” develops on the water surface, gently remove it with a piece of paper towel.
Long-Term Care:
Lifespan:
Make sure to keep an eye on the water quality, feeding patterns, and general health to guarantee the welfare of your fairy shrimp. Fairy shrimp typically live for approximately 6 to 8 weeks with regular care, at which point they will begin to perish due to old age, although a few individuals may survive for a longer period. If successful, numerous eggs will settle at the bottom; let them dry and rehydrate with water to witness the emergence of the second generation.
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