Paramecium are an ideal first food for newly hatched fish fry, especially for species like bettas, killifish, gouramis, and tetras. Their microscopic size and slow swimming behavior make them perfect for tiny, developing fry that cannot yet consume larger foods like baby brine shrimp. When introduced into fry tanks, paramecia remain suspended in the water column for long periods, allowing fry to feed naturally throughout the day. This 8 oz culture offers a dense, ready-to-feed population that promotes strong, healthy growth during the fry’s most delicate stage. As live prey, paramecia also stimulate natural hunting behaviors and improve survival rates.
Temperature Range: Keep between 40°F and 78°F (4°C–25°C).
Light: Indirect light is best; avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Container: Store in a clean, wide-mouth glass or plastic jar (16 oz+ recommended).
Paramecia feed on bacteria and microscopic debris. To maintain your culture:
Feed Weekly: Add a few drops of dry activated yeast water, boiled lettuce water, or a drop of milk every 7–10 days. (Too much will cause the culture to crash.)
Stir Gently: Use a clean stirrer or pipette to swirl the water lightly daily to oxygenate and distribute food.
Remove Surface Scum: If a film forms on top, gently skim it off with a paper towel or spoon.
To extend your supply:
Prepare a clean jar with aged or dechlorinated water.
Add a small amount of organic matter (e.g., one boiled lettuce leaf or one dry leaf).
Transfer 1–2 oz of your live culture into the new jar.
Cover loosely with a lid or paper towel and keep at room temperature.
In 5–7 days, the new culture should be ready
Use a pipette or eyedropper to harvest from the culture.
Add several drops to your fry tank, 1–2 times daily.
Paramecia remain suspended in the water column, giving fry time to feed.
Do not refrigerate – Paramecia are living organisms that need warmth to survive.
Avoid using chlorinated tap water—it will kill the culture.
Avoid using tank water as it may contain hydra, which feed on paramecium.
With weekly feeding and proper conditions, your 8-oz culture can thrive for 3–4 weeks or longer and be propagated continuously for ongoing use.
Paramecium are an ideal first food for newly hatched fish fry, especially for species like bettas, killifish, gouramis, and tetras. Their microscopic size and slow swimming behavior make them perfect for tiny, developing fry that cannot yet consume larger foods like baby brine shrimp. When introduced into fry tanks, paramecia remain suspended in the water column for long periods, allowing fry to feed naturally throughout the day. This 8 oz culture offers a dense, ready-to-feed population that promotes strong, healthy growth during the fry’s most delicate stage. As live prey, paramecia also stimulate natural hunting behaviors and improve survival rates.
Temperature Range: Keep between 40°F and 78°F (4°C–25°C).
Light: Indirect light is best; avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Container: Store in a clean, wide-mouth glass or plastic jar (16 oz+ recommended).
Paramecia feed on bacteria and microscopic debris. To maintain your culture:
Feed Weekly: Add a few drops of dry activated yeast water, boiled lettuce water, or a drop of milk every 7–10 days. (Too much will cause the culture to crash.)
Stir Gently: Use a clean stirrer or pipette to swirl the water lightly daily to oxygenate and distribute food.
Remove Surface Scum: If a film forms on top, gently skim it off with a paper towel or spoon.
To extend your supply:
Prepare a clean jar with aged or dechlorinated water.
Add a small amount of organic matter (e.g., one boiled lettuce leaf or one dry leaf).
Transfer 1–2 oz of your live culture into the new jar.
Cover loosely with a lid or paper towel and keep at room temperature.
In 5–7 days, the new culture should be ready
Use a pipette or eyedropper to harvest from the culture.
Add several drops to your fry tank, 1–2 times daily.
Paramecia remain suspended in the water column, giving fry time to feed.
Do not refrigerate – Paramecia are living organisms that need warmth to survive.
Avoid using chlorinated tap water—it will kill the culture.
Avoid using tank water as it may contain hydra, which feed on paramecium.
With weekly feeding and proper conditions, your 8-oz culture can thrive for 3–4 weeks or longer and be propagated continuously for ongoing use.
