ISLAND SHRIMP BOTTLE CARE & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Thank you for your recent purchase of an Island Shrimp Bottle! Inside each bottle is a virtually maintenance free, all natural ecosystem created to last many years to come. Pure ocean and reverse osmosis water is blended to the exact salinity your red Hawaiian Shrimp are accustomed to. The base layer inside your bottle is made up of sand and crushed coral that harbor beneficial bacteria that help keep the environment inside balanced. The decorative sea fan provides an additional surface for the shrimp to rest and feed upon. The shrimp themselves are extremely unique and rare in the fact that they are only found within the Hawaiian Islands where they inhabit lava pools. When maintained in a healthy environment, the shrimp have been known to live over 20 years. NASA once made this species of shrimp famous in 2001 when they sent them into space to study the effects of microgravity.
CARE:
Your Island Shrimp Bottle should be placed in a stable environment where it will not be continuously moved, shaken or vibrated. Normal room temperature is fine as long as it is not placed near an air conditioner or heater. The living shrimp should receive a normal daily indirect light and dark cycle. Never place your shrimp bottle in direct sunlight, as the temperature within the bottle will quickly rise. You may see patches of green or brown algae growing on the glass over time which is completely normal. If the algae within the bottle becomes excessive to your liking, simply move your Island Shrimp Bottle to a location that receives less light or gently use the small circular cleaning magnets to remove it.
FEEDING:
The shrimp living within the bottle are constantly feeding on microscopic food in the form of algae, bacteria, etc. The enclosed glass vial (with applicator rod) that comes with your Island Shrimp Bottle contains pure Hawaiian Spirulina algae powder that offers an extra boost of nutrients that helps the shrimp thrive. Once or twice a week, gather a pinhead size amount of the powder and gently tap it into the top of the open bottle where it will float on the surface. After a short period of time, you may notice the shrimp filter feeding upside down on the surface of the water or they may wait until the algae settles where it will be consumed from the substrate. It is extremely important that you DO NOT OVERFEED the shrimp as in doing so will change the water quality and can consequently harm or cause death to the shrimp. Replace the rubber stopper after feeding has occurred.
FAQS:
What’s the scientific name of the tiny red Hawaiian shrimp?
Halocaridina rubra also known as “Opae Ula” in Hawaiian which means “red shrimp.”
Can the shrimp reproduce inside of the bottle?
It is possible, as some of our earlier prototype bottles now contain offspring.
How big will the shrimp get?
The shrimp you receive inside your Island Shrimp Bottle are generally full grown at 1 - 1.5 cm.
Should I add water to my Island Shrimp Bottle?
NO. We purposely do not fill the entire bottle in an effort to provide a large surface area for feeding as well as air exchange. The rubber stopper on top of the bottle also prevents water evaporation as well as dust and contaminants from entering the environment.
Do the shrimp periodically shed their skin as they grow?
Yes, as all healthy shrimp grow they “molt” from time to time and leave behind a shell of their exoskeleton. This shell does not need to be removed and will be recycled back into the ecosystem.