Daphnia pulex, commonly know as Water Fleas are micro-crustaceans. Daphnia are a text book species ideal for investigations into physiology as their bodies are transparent meaning students can clearly see their internal organs. Daphnia reproduce both sexually and asexually producing a clutch of eggs each time they moult. Daphnia are filter feeders meaning students can watch the movement of food through the gut. Other investigations include looking into the effect of caffeine or temperature on heart rate.

Once you receive your Daphnia decant into a clean tank/jar and keep out of direct sunlight at around 21°C (room temperature) Daphnia can survive like this for 3 to 4 days without further care. If you intend to keep them for longer, transfer into a clean tank (ensure no detergent residue remains) filled with rain water or tap water treated with a dechlorinator and feed either with a pinch of dissolved yeast every 1-3 days (depending on number of Daphnia) or some Chlorella. The yeast encourages bacterial & algal growth which the Daphnia then feed on. Avoid overfeeding - the Daphnia should clear the water within 8 hours, if they don't, reduce the about of yeast fed. Every week or 2 change about 1/3 of their water but do not clear the debris from the bottom of the tank as it may contain eggs.

During the winter we have to be careful not to over deplete our tanks, consequently there may be delays in sending as we try to spread orders out.

250g gives around 150 Daphnia, 500g around 300. 

*NEW* We now also offer 2.5L bulk bags which contain 1000s of Daphnia!

Mainland Britain

Our UK mainland delivery charges are as follows: (All figures are exc. VAT)

For next day delivery, please order by 1pm, item must be in stock. All stock levels are shown on the web, if showing as out of stock or prepared to order and required urgently, please contact us as we may have stock! Next day orders are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery which is a signed for service, please ensure someone is available.

Drosophila are always dispatched on a Monday, please advise when ordering your preferred delivery week.

Our working hours are 9am - 3pm Monday - Thursday, 9am - 12pm Friday. Orders received outside these hours will be processed the next working day; orders are only dispatched Monday-Thursday (Monday-Wednesday for perishable items). Hours vary during school holidays but we are usually available via email.

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Northern Ireland

Sadly, due to the UK leaving the EU, we can no longer supply Northern Irish customers with any products the have codes starting with an 'L' or 'P'. This is due to the requirement for all live or preserved products to have an import licence specific to the customer purchasing and the product being purchased. As each licence takes 2 weeks to obtain, and involves a considerable amount of paperwork, we have made the difficult decision to stop offering these products to Northern Irish customers. We can still offer equipment, i.e. products with an 'E' code, as these simply require customs documentation.

We apologise for the inconvenience and if the legislation changes we will happily review our decision.

British Islands

Delivery charges to the Isle of Man, Channel Islands (including Jersey & Guernsey), Shetland, Orkney and all the other islands we've missed, are the same as to mainland Britain (see above). The main difference is that delivery is likely to take a little longer, and for this reason we cannot guarantee next day delivery.

In addition, we cannot ship any liquids, so any 'wet' specimen ordered will be sent vacuum packed rather than in a jar.

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