Triops longicaudatus Red: A prehistoric experience from local breeders

Triops have always held a special fascination for children. Rearing them allows children to follow a living creature through its entire life cycle, helping them to develop a sense of responsibility, attentiveness and respect for nature. Their relatively short lifespan of up to three months fosters an age-appropriate bond that prioritises learning and observation without being overwhelming.

A particularly striking variety is the Triops longicaudatus Red, also known as Triops-Red longicaudatus. Its striking red colouring is the result of a genetic trait (albino form) that makes the red colour of the blood visible. This form exists exclusively in controlled aquarium breeding and does not occur in the wild. The breeding stock offered here comes from domestic breeding and is produced under carefully monitored conditions. Due to their close relationship with the classic Triops longicaudatus, both variants can be kept together in an aquarium without any problems.

After around 14 days, the females reach sexual maturity and begin to bury their eggs specifically in the substrate. After the animals’ natural lifespan, the egg-sand mixture remains intact. This can be dried, frozen and later reused for breeding, perhaps with the help of children. In this way, a one-off experience becomes a recurring cycle that has persisted for millions of years.

Due to the rapid growth of the triops, the aquarium is constantly changing and offers ever-changing opportunities for observation. Triops longicaudatus Red thrive particularly well at temperatures around 25 °C and can be bred under a variety of conditions.

How are triops fed?

Newly hatched Triops do not yet have fully developed mouthparts and cannot consume solid food. Initially, they feed on their yolk sac as well as on bacteria, microorganisms and dissolved nutrients in the water. For this reason, a suitable water base is important to provide the animals with optimal conditions right from the start.

Active feeding begins around 48 hours after hatching. A very small amount is crucial here: a pinch of spirulina powder as food for young animals is perfectly sufficient. This fine algae powder is easily digestible and ideally suited to the needs of young triops. Overfeeding should be avoided at all costs, as excess food can quickly deteriorate water quality and endanger the sensitive animals.

Home breeding with individually counted eggs

A key quality feature of this breeding kit is the careful counting of the Triops eggs it contains. The eggs are counted individually by hand, ensuring that the stated number of eggs is guaranteed and not based on estimates. Combined with local breeding, this ensures consistent quality, transparency and a reliable foundation for successful rearing.

Who is this starter pack suitable for?

The Triops longicaudatus Red Starter Pack is ideal for amateur biologists, beginners, families with children, nature enthusiasts, as well as for use in schools, projects and educational institutions. Even experienced breeders appreciate the controlled origin, the guaranteed number of eggs and the consistent quality from local breeding.

Embark on a journey through Earth’s history with your children and bring a piece of fascinating prehistory – alive and vivid – into your own living room.

“Triops longicaudatus Red” fact sheet:

Phylum: Arthropods (Arthropoda)
Subphylum: Crustaceans (Crustacea)
Size: 5 to 7 cm
Life expectancy: approx. 60 to 90 days
Habitat: freshwater
Temperature: 25 to 28° C

Complete set comprising several components for breeding triops (Scope of delivery):

• 1 x egg-sand mixture
• 1 x sachet spirulina powder
• 1 x sachet of staple food
• 1 x sachet of dried sea almond leaf pieces
• The breeding instructions are deliberately not included in paper form. You will receive exclusive access to our digital breeding instructions. Simply scan the QR code on the label or CLICK HERE! On request, we will send you a printed copy of the instructions free of charge. Please indicate this in the comments section when placing your order.