Frequently Asked Questions

A. Hatching Conditions for Artemia Eggs

1. Temperature: The optimal incubation temperature for brine shrimp eggs is 25°C to 30°C.

2. Salinity: The recommended salinity for brine shrimp egg-hatching solution is 15 to 25 ppt.

3. Oxygenation: During the hatching of brine shrimp eggs, oxygenation must be maintained to ensure continuous egg circulation.

4. pH: The optimal pH is 8.0–8.5.

5. Light: During the incubation period of brine shrimp eggs, continuous illumination at 2000 lux is required for 24 hours.

6. Density: Up to 3 grams of insect eggs per liter of incubation solution.

7. Time: 24 hours

B. Storage Methods for Artemia Eggs

A small quantity of brine shrimp eggs can be stored at room temperature with daily use; simply keep them in a dry, cool place. For long-term storage of larger quantities, some of the eggs should be frozen.

For example, if a can of shrimp roe is expected to be used up in about a year, the following storage method can be adopted: First, poke a small hole in the top of the can to estimate how much roe will be taken out each time, and divide the total amount into several equal portions. Prepare several small, lidded containers—ideally with tight-fitting lids—to prevent moisture from accumulating. Portion the roe into these containers, estimating enough for about two months’ use per container; fill each container with roughly 2–3 servings. Seal any remaining roe in the original can by tightly closing the opening (after stuffing it with cotton, secure it with tape). Then wrap the entire can in newspaper and store it in the freezer compartment on the upper shelf of the refrigerator.

Place the shrimp roe in small containers; take out only the amount you need for everyday use and do not put the rest back in the refrigerator. For the remaining shrimp roe in the small containers, seal the lids tightly and store them on the lower shelf of the refrigerator at a constant temperature. As you use up the shrimp roe in each small container over time, switch to the shrimp roe stored on the upper shelf of the refrigerator. When doing so, be sure to remove the newspaper wrapping from the shrimp roe can, then transfer the can to the lower shelf of the refrigerator to thaw.

Thaw the shrimp roe placed on the lower shelf of the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days before dividing it into smaller containers.

The above are the methods for preserving brine shrimp eggs. Alternatively, they can be stored in a constant-temperature, moisture-proof cabinet at a temperature below 10°C.

C. How to distinguish between de-shelled brine shrimp eggs and hatching brine shrimp eggs

Dried brine shrimp eggs are orange-red, while the ones that can hatch are black.

Shelled eggs are stored at room temperature, while hatching eggs are refrigerated.

Brine shrimp exhibit the following characteristics: strong adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, high reproductive capacity, and the ability to produce dormant eggs that can be stored for long periods and hatched on demand to produce nauplii, with a hatching time of only 18–30 hours after initial incubation.

Artemia cysts are dormant eggs produced by Artemia. To date, more than 100 strains of Artemia cysts have been documented worldwide. The nauplius stage is rich in yolk and contains abundant proteins and lipids (approximately 60% protein and 20% lipid), while the adult form also boasts a high nutritional profile. Consequently, Artemia serves as an excellent feed for both larval and adult fish, shrimp, and crabs. According to reports, over 85% of hatchery operations for aquaculture species globally currently rely on Artemia as a primary feed source.