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Aurora Colorado's Real Local Florist | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Intriguing and fun to watch. Great for all ages. These tiny shrimp ecosystems make a great conversation piece and will look great on your desk, coffee table, or bookshelf and will make the perfect gift for anyone.
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1-800-421-9811 These pet shrimp ecosystems are available at our retail showroom in Aurora Colorado. Mini-World Ecosystem Mini-World This is a very unique self-contained ecosystem in brackish water comprising of small red shrimp known as "Opae'ula". Indigenous to Hawaii they naturally inhabit inland pools. With tidal changes the shrimp emerge from underground lava tubes where the ocean water meets and mixes with mountain fresh rainwater to form brackish water. Opae'ula are herbivores and feed on micro- organisms and the algae that is formed by the sun or fluorescent light. If you look closely, you can watch them grazing and grooming themselves. It is normal for the shrimp to shed their exoskeletons, the pale translucent shrimp- like images lying on the bottom or floating. The shrimp will eat the exoskeleton. Also, should a shrimp die, the others will consume it as well. The age of each shrimp is unknown therefore it is not unusual for some to die. They can live for many years in captivity. We have some that are almost five years old. At full maturity they can grow to half of an inch. According to NASA, the Opae'ula are capable of living over 20 years. They have used these shrimp for number of experiments because of their ability to survive under various conditions. The Mini-World is a display of a working ecological system, demonstrating the Intel dependence of animal, plant life, and water.  The Opae'ula, algae, decorative shells and flowers, gravel, lava, and gorgonian (the non-living coral) make up this ecosystem and offer hiding places where micro- organisms and algae can attach themselves. The amount of algae is controlled by the light. Indirect or fluorescent light produces sufficient algae and is essential to the shrimp's existence. Provide at least 6-8 hours of light per day. Direct sunlight will overheat it, regardless of room temperature, and may kill the shrimp. Keep the temperature between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 85 degrees can put excess stress on the ecosystem and temperature below 60 degrees slow down the metabolism of the shrimp, making them appear lifeless. Sudden changes can affect the life of the ecosystem. Highly lit areas cause excessive algae growth, which disturbs the pH balance of the ecosystem. The algae affect the water chemistry. If algae growth is faster than the shrimp can consume, it will raise the pH level. The water will look dark and at that time the cube must be placed in a dark room until the algae is gone. Do not let the system go for more than 60 hours without light if the algae growth looks fine. It is not threatening to the ecosystem to lose visible algae. Film or brown spots can also form inside the system. These are another form of algae called diatoms and are a good source of food and nutrition for the shrimp. Sudden movement are a disruption to the environment and may cause the shrimp to temporarily lose their bright red color as they attempt to camouflage themselves with their background. Once settled, their red color will return. Do not shake, drop, or handle roughly. Do not place on TV, stereo equipment, fireplace mantel, heating vent, window, or computer equipment. If the shrimp are dying in a short time, it usually indicates the Mini-World is too hot or cold, or has been miss- handled. With the balance of light, temperature, algae growth, water, and a little love, you can enjoy these fascinating primitive creatures for many years. Mini-World make ideal gifts for everyone because they require very little care. We have been told by numerous people of all ages how much fun they have watching the shrimp. They also mention how soothing it is to peer into the Mini-World of water. When you receive one of these creations, you may have pets on your desk, night stand, dresser, end table, coffee table, or a counter for a long. Our Opae'ula comes directly from Hawaii and the interior of the cubes are designed by Jeunko. Thank You!  |
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