Scuds as food!?

[bri]

So, I've had this water garden in the backyard for a number of years and earlier today I was harvesting some water plants for the aquarium and as I was washing them off I noticed small freshwater shrimp clinging to all of the plants. After a few more plants and scoops into the detritus I must have captured a couple hundred of these tiny freshwater shrimp. I did some research and discovered they're 'scuds' or 'sideswimmers.' They would seem to be perfect for small aquatic caudate food but I'm still a little cautious. Any experience with these little crustaceans? Cichlids love 'em.
Thanks.

 

[keegan]

Hi Bri,
Actually, we had a bit of a discussion on this a while back. It may be burried somewhere here.

I think the consensus was that they would be good, but the caution was that they may carry parasites. To aviod the parasites either
1) inspect each shrimp for abnormalities (A red colored dot or something, if I recall?)
2) culture them in a fishless environment for at least a generation.

If your water garden doesn't have fish/amphibs anyway, you are probably safe?

Keegan

 

[isaiah]

WARNING: They are egg and small larvae eaters as well.

 

[paris]

ive gotten them before from ponds and my alpines loved them-they seem to be a food that would excite them. my drawback was the water from the pond contained 'red' algae and that stuff just cloggs up a tank in no time.