25 Pack of Scuds (Amphipods)

**Scuds (Amphipods) – Live Food and Aquarium Cleaners** 

**Description:** 
Small freshwater crustaceans called amphipods are popular aquarium live food for fish and other aquatic creatures. As active swimmers they inhabit planted aquariums where they maintain cleanliness by consuming detritus along with algae and uneaten food. Due to their fast reproduction rate scuds serve as excellent live food in aquariums for both freshwater and saltwater species.

**Care Guide:** 

1. **Tank Setup:** 
- Aquariums containing scuds can house multiple types of tankmates such as shrimp and small fish along with aquatic plants.
- Aquariums should include dense plant life or structures like rocks and driftwood to promote natural behavior among tank inhabitants.
- Scuds require a water temperature of 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 26°C) and grow best in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5.
- To maintain water quality and prevent waste accumulation ensure both water cleanliness and proper filtration systems.

2. **Feeding:** 
- As scavengers, scuds will eat algae and biofilm along with decaying plant matter and uneaten fish food.
- Feeding scuds with algae wafers alongside blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini as well as high-quality shrimp pellets provides them with additional essential nutrients.
- A continuous food supply is essential to sustain their population and ensure their health.

3. **Breeding:** 
- Scuds reproduce rapidly when they encounter favorable conditions and give birth to live offspring instead of laying eggs.
- Scuds reproduce quickly when they have access to both plentiful food and suitable hiding places.
- Manage scud populations by regulating their food availability and manually eliminating excess individuals when needed.

4. **Water Parameters:** 
- Temperature: 68°F - 78°F (20°C - 26°C) 
- pH: 6.5 - 7.5 
- Aquarium water levels should range from soft to moderately hard with a dGH measurement between 3 and 12.
- Healthy scud populations require ammonia and nitrite levels to remain at zero.

**Benefits of Scuds (Amphipods):** 

1. **Natural Aquarium Cleaners:** 
Scuds function as natural tank cleaners because they eat detritus as well as remaining food and algae. Scuds function as organic waste reducers which help maintain ecological stability within the aquarium environment.

2. **Live Food Source:** 
A variety of aquarium fish including fry and small species can benefit from scuds which serve as a nutritious live food source. Scuds supply essential protein and fatty acids that help fish display vibrant coloration while promoting healthy growth.

3. **Healthy Tank Ecosystem:** 
The presence of these organisms in the tank promotes natural balance through the reduction of organic waste and maintenance of water quality.

4. **Easy to Care For:** 
Scuds are hardy and require minimal care. Scuds demonstrate adaptability to multiple freshwater environments which allows both novices and seasoned hobbyists to keep them successfully.

**Uses of Scuds (Amphipods):** 

1. **Live Fish Food:** 
Many fish species such as bettas, goldfish, cichlids and smaller fish like tetras and rasboras rely on scuds as a source of high-protein live food.

2. **Breeding Tanks:** 
Fry in fish breeding tanks receive a steady supply of nutritious scuds which helps them develop into strong and healthy fish.

3. **Aquarium Cleaners:** 
The presence of scuds in aquariums improves tank health through the removal of uneaten food particles as well as algae and organic waste which prevents toxic buildup in the water.

4. **Bioactive Environments:** 
Scuds prove to be ideal inhabitants for bioactive tanks because they decompose organic matter which leads to healthier, sustainable conditions for plants and other aquatic creatures.

Adding scuds to your aquarium delivers essential functional advantages while serving as a live food option that strengthens the well-being and energy of your aquatic environment.