Brine Shrimp Eggs Types Explained: Bohai Bay vs Salt Lake vs Red Tibet.
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If you’ve ever looked into hatching brine shrimp eggs, you’ll notice there are different types on the market. The three most popular are Bohai Bay, Salt Lake, and Red Tibet. Each has its own quirks when it comes to hatching, nutrition, and appearance. Let’s break them down so you know which one suits your setup best.
Artemia |
Bohai Bay |
Salt Lake |
Tibet Red |
Nauplii Size |
0.43-0.52mm |
0.42-0.53mm |
0.63-0.69mm |
Hatching Time |
18–24 hours |
24–36 hours |
~36 hours |
Temperature |
26-30°C (optimal) |
26-30°C (optimal) |
18-24°C (room temperature) |
Hatch Rate |
~95% (Grade A+) |
~90% (Grade A) |
~90% (Grade A) |
Nutrition Content |
Very high |
High |
Moderate to high |
Color |
Light brown/orange |
Light tan/brown |
Dark brown/reddish |
Bohai Bay Artemia
Bohai Bay eggs are often seen as the gold standard of brine shrimp.
- Hatching Process: They hatch super fast (with a heater setup) - usually within 18–24 hours if you keep the water around 26–30°C.
- Appearance & Size: Small and light brown with an orange hue.
- Hatch Rate & Quality: Normally available at 85-95% hatch rate grades, you’re getting some of the most reliable eggs available.
- Cost: Because of their high hatch rate and nutrition content, Bohai Bay eggs are usually on the pricier side compared to others.
In short: Fast, reliable, premium.
Salt Lake Artemia
Salt Lake eggs are the most well-known type, sourced from the Great Salt Lake in the USA.
- Hatching Process: They hatch a little slower than Bohai Bay — usually within 24–36 hours at 26–30°C with a heater.
- Appearance & Size: Small, light tan to grey/brown in color.
- Hatch Rate & Quality: Typically graded around 80–90% hatch rate, still very consistent and widely used in aquaculture.
- Cost: More affordable than Bohai Bay, making them a popular middle-ground option.
In short: Trusted, consistent, cost-effective.
Red Tibet Artemia
Red Tibet eggs stand out thanks to their larger size and darker look.
- Hatching Process: Slower than both Bohai and Salt Lake — about 36 hours at room temperature (18–24°C), meaning no heater is needed !
- Appearance & Size: Larger nauplii, dark brown to reddish in color.
- Hatch Rate & Quality: Usually around 80–90% hatch rate with moderate nutrition. Not as nutrient-dense as Bohai Bay, but still solid.
- Cost: Often the most budget-friendly option of the three.
In short: Bigger, economical and bonus points for being able to hatch in room temp.
Conclusion
When it comes to brine shrimp eggs, there’s no “one-size-fits-all.”
Bohai Bay: Best for reliability and nutrition — but pricier.
Salt Lake: A solid middle ground — balanced hatch rate, size, and cost.
Red Tibet: Bigger nauplii, slower hatch - but don't require a heater.
Different eggs suit different needs. If you’re raising delicate fry and want maximum nutrition, go for Bohai Bay. If you’re just after a dependable all-rounder, Salt Lake is your friend. And if you need something cost-effective for larger fry, Red Tibet is the way to go.