Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was out and about buying aquatic plants for my vivarium today and I noticed what at first appeared to be water bugs swimming around in a giant vat filled with duckweed.

The owner of the store told me they were fresh water shrimp and she said I could have as many as I wanted just to get them off her hands. She said they come with the duckweed and breed like crazy.

The shrimp appear to forage on the duckweed or tiny bugs that also inhanbit the duckweed. They are less than 1/2 inch in length, greyish-brown, and resemble brine shrimp only larger. I brought some home just in case they might be suitable as food for my newts, and they are occupying a goldfish bowl right now.

I did an internet search and all I could find on them is that they make great bait. Has anyone fed these to newts/salanmaders and does anyone know what the nutritional value of fresh water shrimp is?

I'd appreciate any info. Thanks - Farvoyager

They are called scuds or Gammarus. They are wonderful food for newts! I wish I had a cheap source for them. They can be cultured, but reproduce too slowly to be practical.

Actually I think they could be fairy shrimp instead of scuds, but either way they're a great cheap source for newt food!

>>They are called scuds or Gammarus. They are wonderful food for newts! I wish I had a cheap source for them. They can be cultured, but reproduce too slowly to be practical.
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Hope my opinions help,
Rob

Thanks you guys! I put some of the scuds in with my Paddletail Newts and they snapped em up. Put some in with the Axolotl and the Chinese Firebelly and never saw them eat the scuds... but couldn't find any of the scuds the next day so I assume they were eaten.

I saw a site where you might be able to buy some scuds and another site which has various other kinds of aquatic insects which may or may not be edible.

Out of curiosity - what kinds of waterbugs would you recommend feeding?

http://www.happydranch.com/
scuds

http://www.aquaculturestore.com/fwinverts.html
other bugs

http://www.happydranch.com/
Worm farms (farm your own bait)