Simple Procedure for Decapsulating and Hatching Cysts of Brine Shrimp (Artemia spp.)

Abstract We describe a simple adaptation of a previously described method for decapsulating and hatching brine shrimp cysts. The method uses a 2.6% hypochlorite solution to chemically remove (oxidize) the hard outer layer or chorion from the encapsulated embryo. Decapsulation has many advantages, including elimination of the need to separate newly hatched nauplii from unhatched cysts and shells. The procedures are very simple and easily adaptable to a variety of applications.