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Thread: Anyone tried decapsulating brine shrimp?

  1. #1
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    Anyone tried decapsulating brine shrimp?

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    Just want to find out if anyone has actually done it before?
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    Decapsulated eggs are currently manufactured by New Technology under the brand name Artemia Revolution. Although the shell-less eggs are expensive to buy, it is possible for the serious hobbyist to decapsulate his own brine shrimp eggs at home.

    This is done by soaking ordinary Artemia cysts in water for one hour to hydrate the eggs, using vigorous aeration to keep the eggs in continuous suspension8. The hard, dark brown outer shell (chorion) must then be dissolved away by suspending the hydrated eggs in a 50:50 solution of household bleach and tap water for approximately 7-10 minutes8. As the outer shell gradually dissolves, the eggs change color from brown to gray to white and finally to orange--the color of the nauplii within. The decapsulated eggs must be rinsed thoroughly to removed all traces of the bleach and used right away. If they are not to be used immediately, the shell-less eggs can be dehydrated by soaking them in a saturated salt solution for 3-4 hours8, keeping them suspended with heavy aeration during this time, after which they can be stored indefinitely.

    Although an in-depth discussion of the decapsulation process is beyond the scope of this article, interested readers should consult the excellent article by Patrick Sorgeloos titled ''Decapsulation of Artemia cysts: a simple technique for the improvement of the use of brine shrimp in aquaculture,'' which appeared in the September 1977 issue of Aquaculture (Volume 12, pages 311-315). In addition, detailed instructions for the decapsulation of Artemia cysts can also be found in the Plankton Culture Manual by Frank Hoff and Terry Snell, which is available through *Florida Aqua Farms (904-567-8540).

    CAUTION: Be advised that the decapsulation process involves the use of harsh chemicals, and remember the reactions that dissolve the outer shell of the cysts produce considerable heat, particularly if a large amount of cysts are treated at one time. Before attempting this procedure on your own, be sure to consult the complete instructions in the references listed above, and follow all the necessary precautions to the letter.

    It is intriguing to note that some crustacean larvae and fish larvae can be fed directly with decapsulated Artemia cysts, without hatching them first8. The shell-less eggs sink to the bottom, but if a system could be devised to keep the decapsulated cysts in suspension, perhaps by using mild aeration to gently swirl them through the water in a lifelike manner,

  2. #2
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    i haven't
    but the idea of buying the deencapsulated eggs doesn't sound very feasible, as they tend to dry up (which is the point of the capsule, so it doesn't)

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