My Triops Fail: Not as Easy as Sea Monkeys

We had a lot of fun raising sea monkeys and decided to give Triops by Trioptica a try. These little creatures proved to be harder to raise than I thought they would be! It was not quite as easy as most of the reviews I read online.

In the end, our Triops attempt was a total failure. If you are thinking of trying to raise Triops, read this first and maybe you will have better luck than me!

Getting Started with Triops

I purchased the Trioptica kit on Amazon, because it came with eggs and food for both baby and adult stages. On my last check, this product is no longer available on Amazon. Maybe because it doesn’t work! They do have one oher kits available that has eggs and food: https://amzn.to/4drC9UN

First thing- if you are giving this to your child and plan to use it right away, you will need to have your water prepared in advance. You can only use natural spring water, and you have to put three little limestones in it and let it sit for 24 hours before using it. (stones are included in the kit)

Also, there are a LOT of instructions to follow. These are definitely not as easy as sea monkeys. Kids will need an adult help to get it all done right.

What Are Triops?

Triops are small freshwater crustaceans known for their shield-shaped bodies and long tail appendages. The name “Triops” means “three eyes,” referring to the simple eye structure found on the top of their heads. They belong to a group of animals called tadpole shrimp and are considered one of the oldest surviving species on Earth.

Triops live in temporary pools of water in the wild. Their eggs can survive dry conditions for years until rainwater returns. Once water appears, the eggs hatch quickly so they can grow, reproduce, and lay more eggs before the pool dries up again.

Why are Triops Called Living Dinosaurs?

They are often referred to as “living dinosaurs” because they have existed for an incredibly long time with very little change in their appearance. Scientists believe Triops have been around for more than 300 million years, which means they lived on Earth before the dinosaurs even appeared.

Fossils of ancient Triops look remarkably similar to the ones swimming around today. Their shield-shaped bodies, multiple legs, and long tail structures have stayed mostly unchanged over millions of years. Because of this, they are also commonly referred to as “living fossils.”

How to Hatch Triops Eggs

Hatching Triops is supposed to be relatively simple, but water quality and temperature matter a lot.

To hatch them successfully, use distilled water or spring water rather than tap water. Tap water often contains chemicals that can prevent eggs from hatching.

After opening the package and reading the instructions, I had to go purchase a bottle of spring water before we could move forward. I then did exactly as instructed and added the limestones.

They recommend keeping the water temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. They have instructions for how to hatch in cold weather, and how much light they will need to hatch.

I followed all the instructions and patiently waited for my Triops to hatch in 24 to 72 hours. We are in Florida, so the water was warm and in a sunny spot.

Tiny baby Triops are nearly transparent at first and can be difficult to spot. Within days, however, they are supposed to begin swimming actively around the container.

Unfortunately, I never got that far. All I got was a container of dirty looking water.

My experience was rather disappointing, especially after having such a good experience with sea monkeys. Those were super easy to hatch and keep alive!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Triops Live?

If you manage to successfully hatch them, most Triops live between 20 and 90 days depending on the species and care conditions. While their lifespan is short, they grow extremely fast. Some can reach full size in just a few weeks.

During their lifetime, Triops constantly molt, meaning they shed their exoskeleton as they grow. Watching a Triops molt is one of the most interesting parts of keeping them. Would have been cool to actually see that!

How Big Do Triops Get?

Depending on the species, Triops can grow anywhere from 1 to 4 inches long. Triops longicaudatus, one of the most popular species sold in kits, often reaches around 2 inches in home aquariums.

What Do Triops Eat?

Triops are omnivores and scavengers. In captivity, they eat specially formulated food, algae, tiny aquatic organisms, and even bits of vegetables.

As they grow larger, they may also eat:

• Fish flakes
• Brine shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Small pieces of carrots or peas

Because they are opportunistic eaters, they sometimes cannibalize weaker tank mates if food is limited. Feeding them regularly can help reduce aggressive behavior.

Can Triops Live with Fish?

In most cases, Triops do not make ideal tank mates for fish. They are aggressive scavengers and may nip at slow-moving fish or eat smaller creatures. Fish may also eat baby Triops.

If you plan to keep them in an aquarium, a species-only setup usually works best. This allows them to grow safely without competition or predators.

Why Are My Triops Dying?

One of the most common concerns among beginners is sudden Triops deaths. Several factors can cause problems:

• Poor water quality
• Overfeeding
• Low oxygen levels
• Incorrect temperature
• Using chlorinated tap water

Because Triops are sensitive during their early stages, keeping the water clean and stable helps improve survival rates.

Raising Triops is Not as Easy as It Looks

Raising Triops can be an intriguing experience, but it comes with its challenges. Unlike sea monkeys, these little creatures require meticulous care and attention to environmental conditions.

From ensuring the right water quality to maintaining optimal temperature, every detail matters. While my attempt ended in disappointment, it’s important to remember that every experience offers valuable lessons.

If you’re considering taking on the Triops challenge, be prepared for the commitment it entails. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you may find success where I did not. Embrace the journey and enjoy the fascinating world of these prehistoric pets. (if they actually hatch)