Triops are among the most fascinating aquarium inhabitants, but their diet raises questions for many aspiring breeders. As omnivores, they are not particularly picky, but proper feeding is crucial for their growth, health and breeding success. This blog article shows you what triops can eat and what is better to avoid.

Food for the first days of life
Triops are extremely sensitive in the first two to three days after hatching. Their digestive system is not yet fully developed, so they should only be fed extremely fine food. The following have proven to be effective:
- Infusoria (microorganisms)
- spirulina powder
- Decapsulated Artemia eggs (finely ground).
These foods are easily digestible and provide valuable proteins and vitamins. It is particularly important that the portion size is tiny, as uneaten food quickly pollutes the water.
From about one centimetre in size
Once the triops are about one centimetre in size, the food selection can be expanded. They can now tolerate:
- Feed sticks (especially for triops or bottom-dwelling fish)
- Coarsely crushed decapsulated Artemia eggs
- Freeze-dried Artemia
- Cyclops and daphnia (live or freeze-dried)
- Fine fish food in powder form.
Make sure that no hard pieces remain in the water, as triops can be sensitive to digestive problems.
Triops are small predators. Cannibalism can occur among triops, especially when food is scarce and there are differences in size. Sufficient and regular feeding helps to minimise aggressive behaviour. Nevertheless, cannibalism is a natural process and can never be completely ruled out.
Less is more
Triops tend to eat more food than they actually need. It is therefore important to only feed them as much as they can eat within a few minutes. Ideally, they should be fed at least once a day, but preferably twice in smaller portions to ensure a steady supply. Water values should also be checked regularly, as contaminated water is one of the most common causes of premature death in triops, not insufficient food.
What can triops eat? – Conclusion
Triops can generally eat a wide variety of foods, but it is not the selection alone that is crucial for their healthy development, but above all the right timing and the appropriate amount. In the first days of life, they need very fine and easily digestible food such as microorganisms or spirulina, while from a size of about one centimetre they can also tolerate coarser types of food such as decapsulated Artemia eggs, food sticks or small aquatic organisms.
High-quality food not only ensures healthy growth, but also helps to reduce cannibalism among triops, which often occurs when there is a lack of food or a large difference in size. Nevertheless, it is essential to feed sparingly, as excess food pollutes the water. Careful observation, clean water conditions and appropriate food portions contribute significantly to the animals’ optimal development and natural lifespan.
Triops food pack (spirulina powder, decapsulated Artemia eggs, food sticks)
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