Triops are small, short-lived, freshwater crustaceans whose eggs can lie dormant for years and hatch within a day or two of hitting water--making them extremely easy to raise. Their lifespan typically only ranges anywhere from two weeks to two months, meaning they can be pets that you hatch whenever you want them--no long term commitment nescessary. The species I raised were Triops Longicaudatus, which are found widely across the Americas.
What this project involved + Essential Notes
- I ordered a kit from Triassic Triops, and followed the directions on the packet. I used water that was filtered and treated for chlorine and chloramine.
- Feeding less food is key, especially at larval stages--they live longer if they are fed less. The lights need to be on 24/7 for the first three days in order to accelerate hatching.
- The main issues I had was with tank size. My five-gallon tank has never quite resulted in a successful batch, as the Triops weren't exactly adept at actively locating food. Instead, I have found success mostly in small tupperware containers.
- Most Triops are female hemaphrodites, meaning that they do not need a mate to lay eggs. This means that even if you are left with a singular Triop, they will lay hundreds of viable eggs to start a second generation. Occasionally, male triops occur, and they are identified with a lack of egg sacs. Fortunately, not all eggs hatch the first round, so even if you are left with a singular male, you will be able to start a second tank without a need to buy more eggs.
- Once they all die off, you need to naturally dry the tank and wait two weeks after it the substrate has completely dried before you rehydrate the tank. Otherwise, the triops will not hatch.
- Though I have never attempted this, you can seperate out the eggs from the substrate by flushing it with cold water (eggs float). I reccomend using gravel as opposed to sand, as it is easier to filter and easier to clean. Make sure gravel is not artificially colored, as these crustaceans are very sensitive to dyes.
- Use a sponge filter if you choose to use a filter. Any other filter will stress triops as they are very weak swimmers.
What's next?
I plan to order another kit that includes a tank, as I am ready to retire the 5-gallon tank that does not work. The kit-included tank is much smaller, and I hope it will allow me to raise them more effectively. Likewise, I plan to switch to gravel from sand in order to make egg collection much easier. I may also not buy a kit and order a tank + eggs completely seperate, but only time will tell.
