{"product_id":"dried-daphnia-100g","title":"Dried Daphnia 100g","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDried Daphnia — Natural Protein Treat for Isopods, Millipedes \u0026amp; Snails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100% Black Sea daphnia, freeze-dried to preserve nutrient content. Daphnia (water fleas) are tiny freshwater crustaceans naturally rich in protein, chitin, and dietary fibre — and they're one of the most useful occasional protein supplements you can offer to invertebrates. Originally a fish food staple, daphnia has become a quiet favourite among isopod and millipede keepers for the same reasons aquarists use it: clean nutrition, broad appeal, and zero processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g resealable bag — a small amount goes a long way for invertebrate feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Daphnia Works for Invertebrates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDaphnia is a whole-organism food. Unlike formulated flake foods, it's not a recipe — it's freeze-dried whole creatures, with all their natural nutritional profile intact. For invertebrates that evolved feeding on dead and decaying small organisms in their natural habitats, this kind of unprocessed protein source matches their biology better than processed feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e50% crude protein.\u003c\/strong\u003e Higher than most fish flakes and protein powders. Daphnia's protein is naturally concentrated, so a tiny amount delivers significant nutritional value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRich in chitin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Daphnia bodies contain chitin — the same structural compound found in insect and crustacean exoskeletons. For moulting invertebrates (which is most of what we sell — isopods, millipedes, springtails, cockroaches, even snails for shell development), this is biologically meaningful. Chitin acts as a natural fibre source and helps regulate digestion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasily digestible.\u003c\/strong\u003e The freeze-drying process preserves nutrients without any cooking that might denature proteins. When daphnia rehydrates in a humid enclosure, it softens quickly and becomes accessible even to soft-bodied invertebrates that struggle with harder dry foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo disease risk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike live foods, freeze-dried daphnia carries zero risk of introducing parasites or pathogens to your enclosure. This matters in tropical isopod setups where introducing mites or other pests can devastate a colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety in the diet.\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if you already use fish flakes or other protein supplements, daphnia provides nutritional variety. Different protein sources offer different amino acid profiles, and rotating between them produces healthier animals than relying on a single supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Invertebrates Benefit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsopods.\u003c\/strong\u003e Daphnia is well-received across all isopod species. Hardy beginner species like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/porcellio-scaber-mix-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-orange-isopods\"\u003eGiant Orange (P. laevis)\u003c\/a\u003e will demolish daphnia rapidly. More demanding species — \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cubaris-isopods\"\u003eCubaris\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ardentiella-isopods\"\u003eArdentiella\u003c\/a\u003e, and other specialist tropicals — also accept it readily and benefit from the chitin content during moulting cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMillipedes.\u003c\/strong\u003e All species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipede collection\u003c\/a\u003e can be offered occasional daphnia as part of a varied diet. Larger species like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/african-giant-chocolate-millipede-ophistreptus-guineensis\"\u003eChocolate Millipedes\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ghana-speckled-leg-millipede-telodeinopus-aoutii\"\u003eGhana Speckled Leg\u003c\/a\u003e will eat it, though leaf litter and rotting wood remain the staples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnails.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rodatzi-giant-african-land-snails\"\u003eRodatzi GALS\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-lipped-giant-african-land-snails-lissachatina-immaculata-panthera\"\u003ePink Lipped Panthera\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/unicorn-snails-octona-sublina\"\u003eUnicorn Snails\u003c\/a\u003e all benefit from occasional daphnia. The chitin and protein content support shell growth and overall health, and the rehydrated daphnia is soft enough for snails to consume easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtails.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003eSpringtail cultures\u003c\/a\u003e respond well to daphnia. Crushed and sprinkled on substrate, it provides easily-accessible protein that boosts springtail population growth. Particularly useful when establishing new cultures or pushing existing ones to higher density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockroaches.\u003c\/strong\u003e Species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroach collection\u003c\/a\u003e readily consume daphnia as part of a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor isopods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sprinkle a small pinch on the substrate or in a feeding dish. A pinch is plenty for a colony of 20–30 isopods. Offer 1–2 times per week. Don't overfeed — uneaten daphnia in a humid enclosure can rehydrate and develop mould within 24 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor millipedes:\u003c\/strong\u003e A small amount placed on a flat surface near where they're active. Once weekly is sufficient, alternating with other protein sources for variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor snails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crumble a small amount onto the substrate or mix with a vegetable serving. The daphnia will rehydrate quickly and become soft enough for snails to consume. Offer 1–2 times per week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor springtails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crush daphnia between fingers and sprinkle directly onto substrate. The springtails will swarm to it and process it rapidly, boosting culture growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixing with other supplements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Daphnia works particularly well as part of a rotation with other protein sources. Alternating between daphnia and fish flakes ensures your invertebrates get the broadest range of amino acids and nutrients across the week. Many keepers also crumble daphnia and mix it with fish flake powder to create a custom protein blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Note on Mould\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike all dry foods in humid invertebrate enclosures, daphnia can develop mould if left uneaten. The general rule: feed small amounts that get consumed within 12–24 hours rather than large portions that sit. If you notice mould forming on uneaten daphnia, remove it and reduce portion size next time. A thriving \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtail culture\u003c\/a\u003e in the same enclosure will handle small amounts of leftover food before mould becomes a problem — another reason to pair springtails with isopods and millipedes by default.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStore the bag sealed and in a cool, dry place. Freeze-dried daphnia has a long shelf life when kept dry, but it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause clumping or mould development over time. Keep the bag sealed between uses. The 100g size will typically last 6+ months for a small invertebrate collection — daphnia is offered in tiny quantities compared to fish feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eComposition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100% freeze-dried Black Sea daphnia. No fillers, additives, colourings, or preservatives. Just the dried whole organisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalytical constituents:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude protein: 50%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude oils and fat: 10%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude fibre: 7%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude ash: 18%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe high fibre content (7%) reflects the chitin in daphnia exoskeletons — a key reason daphnia is valued as both a protein source and a digestive aid for invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDaphnia vs Fish Flakes — Which Should You Use?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoth are excellent invertebrate protein supplements, and many serious keepers use both as part of a rotation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDaphnia:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole-organism food. Higher protein (50% vs 46%), higher fibre\/chitin content. Single ingredient, no processed additives. Best for variety, chitin supplementation, and natural feeding behaviour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Formulated blend with insect meal, fish hydrolysate, herring meal, and added vitamins. Best for complete nutrition, balanced amino acids, and added fatty acids (Omega-3, 6, 9).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most effective approach is to use both — fish flakes 1–2 times per week for balanced nutrition, daphnia 1–2 times per week for natural protein and chitin. This rotation keeps things varied and prevents over-reliance on any single food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor complete invertebrate care:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — alternating protein source for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — essential calcium for moulting and shell health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — passive calcium source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — fermented hardwood substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kinshi-made-with-lions-mane-mushroom\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKinshi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — mushroom mycelium for tropical species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — primary leaf litter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Leaf Litter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — structural leaf cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/asian-leaf-mix\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsian Leaf Mix\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — premium native leaves for tropical species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor more on building balanced invertebrate diets, see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003esetting up guide\u003c\/a\u003e. Browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for everything else needed to keep your invertebrates thriving.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57337667682686,"sku":null,"price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-daphnia-100g-5584689.jpg?v=1777659558","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/dried-daphnia-100g","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}