Quick answer
A shrimp egg incubator gently tumbles and aerates eggs outside the mother, mimicking her fanning motion so you can hatch eggs from discarded molts or a deceased female.
When you actually need an incubator
Most shrimp eggs hatch fine on the mother. You only need an incubator when eggs are stranded: left on a molt the female dropped, or if the female dies before releasing the shrimplets. Without intervention, those eggs will not survive.
What it cannot do
An incubator does not treat fungus, adjust water chemistry, or guarantee hatch rates. It simply provides gentle movement and water flow. Eggs that are unfertilized or already damaged will not develop. Success also depends on stable temperature and clean water in the main tank.
Frequently asked questions
How does a shrimp egg incubator work?
Water flow or a gentle air-driven mechanism keeps eggs suspended and rotating. This prevents fungus and ensures oxygen reaches every egg, similar to the female's pleopod fanning.
When should I use one?
Use it when you find eggs on a discarded molt, or if a berried female dies. Also useful for eggs that a female keeps dropping prematurely. Do not use it for healthy, attached eggs on a living female.
How do I set up and use the incubator?
Attach the incubator inside your aquarium so water circulates through it. Gently place the eggs inside using a soft brush or pipette. Let the water flow do the work — do not manually stir. Check daily for fungus and remove any fuzzy eggs with a pipette. Keep the incubator in a stable, cycled tank. Sudden temperature or pH swings can still kill the eggs.
Product spotlight
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Aquarium Ornamental Shrimp Egg Incubator: The hatchery simulates the gentle fanning of the female shrimp to successfully hatch the eggs. This means you can place eggs from a discarded molt or deceased female into the incubator, and the device will keep them oxygenated and rotating just as the mother would.
Aquarium Ornamental Shrimp Egg Incubator
