Live Scuds (Amphipods) Starter Culture

About this culture

Scuds are small shrimp-like amphipods that live in a simple water tub with leaf litter or sponge and a little food. Adults are a meaty, wriggling meal for goldfish, larger community fish, axolotls and “natural aquarium” setups; juveniles get eaten by smaller mouths. They breed in the culture (and can colonise a display tank — disclose that if you keep shrimp-only systems). Cultured in aged water, much like a chunky cousin of the moina tub. Out of stock for now — tap Notify me and we will WhatsApp you when the next batch ships.

Best for

• Goldfish & larger community fish
• Axolotls & aquatic frogs
• Natural / Father Fish–style tanks
• Breeders who want a water-tub culture beside moina

How to culture it

1. Tip the starter into a tub or bucket of aged / old tank water with a handful of leaf litter, moss or an open sponge for cover.
2. Feed sparingly: a pinch of fish food, blanched veg or algae wafers — leftover food fouls the tub faster than hunger does.
3. Keep out of full blazing sun; a covered outdoor or garage tub works well in South Africa if it does not cook.
4. Harvest with a fine net. Leave breeders behind so the culture keeps going. Start a second tub before you empty the first.

How to feed it

Net a portion, rinse briefly in tank water and tip into the display — fish usually hunt them immediately.

Scuds can establish in planted tanks and eat soft plants or compete with shrimp; use a dedicated culture tub if that matters to you.