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Live Feeds in Hatcheries & Aquariums: Common Questions and Expert Solutions

Answers to top questions on using live feeds in hatcheries and aquariums.

1. Why Rotifers & Artemia Matter in Hatcheries

Rotifers (Brachionus) and Artemia are foundational live feeds used in marine and freshwater hatcheries. Their ideal size, nutrient profile—including essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamins, and minerals—make them indispensable for larval growth, survival, and health[^1][^2].

2. History and Impact of Artemia in Turkey

Artemia cysts began global hatchery use in the 1960s and quickly gained traction in Turkey’s aquaculture sector. Their ability to be enriched with EPA and DHA significantly improves larval development. Recent climate variability and rising costs have led Turkish hatcheries to explore local Artemia production and alternative live-feed solutions[^3].

3. Frequently Asked Questions from Hatchery and Aquarium Operators in Turkey

Q1: How can I improve the nutritional quality of live feed like rotifers and Artemia?

Rotifers and Artemia by themselves may lack essential fatty acids, pigments, and trace elements. Enriching them before feeding is essential to ensure proper larval development.

VARS Aquaculture Solution:

We provide Emerald Chlorella Powder, a premium microalgae-based enrichment product. It boosts live feed with highly digestible protein, chlorophyll, and key bioactive compounds.

Q2: What’s the most reliable Artemia source for consistent hatch rates and nutrient content?

Low-quality Artemia cysts often result in uneven hatching and poor nauplii survival, which can hurt productivity.

VARS Aquaculture Solution:

Our Revive Artemia Cyst offers consistent hatching performance, high energy content, and a strong foundation for downstream enrichment with Emerald Chlorella Powder or other microalgae.

Q3: How can I reduce dependency on antibiotics in the hatchery?

One proven strategy is using natural immune boosters and microalgae with antimicrobial properties to strengthen larval health.

VARS Aquaculture Solution:

Emerald Chlorella Powder has shown potential benefits for improving gut health and immune resilience—offering a more sustainable and preventive approach.

3. How VARS Aquaculture Supports Turkish Hatcheries

Need or ChallengeVARS Aquaculture Product
Live feed enrichmentEmerald Chlorella Powder – Nutrient-dense microalgae
Consistent Artemia hatch performanceRevive Artemia Cyst – High hatchability, clean source
Immune system supportBioactive compounds in Chlorella for gut and immunity
Reduced antibiotic relianceNatural antimicrobials through enriched live feed
Sustainable feed inputsPlant-based, highly digestible microalgae with trace minerals

4. Why Choose VARS Aquaculture?

  • Reliable Sourcing: Products selected for quality and consistency
  • Focus on Sustainability: Supporting hatcheries with plant-based nutrition
  • Proven Impact: Used in commercial hatcheries for seabass, seabream, flounder, and shrimp
  • Tailored to Turkey’s Market: With logistics, climate, and farming methods in mind



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Rotifers & Artemia: Cornerstones of Sustainable Aquaculture Nutrition
From microscopic live feeds to meeting global protein needs efficiently and sustainably