Branchiae-legged crayfish Artemia, in most cases classified as Artemia salina.
During the past decade Artemia salina has become the most popular fodder for
both salt-water and fresh-water fish bred in domestic aquariums or industrial
ponds. This amazing species won its reputation not only thanks to its nourishment
value but also its way of reproduction and its ability to survive in the most extreme
conditions.

Officially, Artemia salina has been declared extinct. This name belonged to a
crawfish, which used to breed in the now-extinct British lake Livington. This was
the first Artemia species classified by biologists, namely by Swedish botanist and
founder of animal species classification Carl von Linné in 1758. By tradition this
name was later awarded to all European Artemia.

Currently, seven kinds of this species live around the world:

1. Artemia tunisiana (Europe and North Africa);
2. Artemia species (America, part of Europe, Asia);
3. Artemia franciscana (America, part of Europe);
4. Artemia parthenogenetica (Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia);
5. Artemia sinica (Central Asia, China);
6. Artemia persimilis (Argentina);
7. Artemia urmiana (Iran).

A majority of artemias – also called Urzeitkrebse, Salinenkrebse, Salzkrebse,
Feenkrebse and Brine Shrimp – with habitat in Eastern Europe and Asia belong to
one of the following kinds: Artemia tunisiana, Artemia species or Artemia
parthenogenetica. The last species includes a number of populations with certain
genetic differences, including the capability of reproducing without participation of
male species.

In terms of nutritious value, there is no difference between the species, and in
many cases it is difficult to classify particular kinds and sub-kinds because Artemia
crawfish are able to change their appearance depending on environment.

Artemia cysts produced and sold by company Artemia World are cultivated
exclusively in artificially produced natural habitat conditions, but are genetically
equal to those living in a natural environment.

Artemia can be used as aquarium fodder during all three phases of its life cycle.

— Artemia eggs without a shell are excellent fodder containing a high
concentration of protein for fingerling and small fish.
— Nauplias – is initial fodder for aquarium fish youth.
— An adult Artemia is excellent fodder for a majority of mature fish species.

The main benefit of Artemia is that it can be bred at an aquarist's desire year-
round and can be used at any phase of its development.