Vinegar Eel Starter Culture (Turbatrix aceti) 15ml

A vinegar eel starter culture is a fantastic live food source for fish fry, especially small species like betta fry, rainbowfish, danios, and dwarf shrimp larvae. These microscopic nematodes live in acidic environments like apple cider vinegar and are easy to culture with minimal effort.

🔍 Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Turbatrix aceti

Common Use: Live fry food

Size: ~0.3–2 mm (perfect for tiny fry mouths)

Culture Medium: Apple cider vinegar + water

Difficulty Level: Very easy

Odour Level: Low to moderate (vinegar smell)

🧪 How to Start & Maintain a Culture

✅ Ingredients for the Culture:

Starter culture (a small vial or spoonful of live vinegar eels)

Apple cider vinegar (unfiltered is ideal)

Dechlorinated water (1:1 ratio with vinegar)

A piece of apple or banana peel (optional for food)

Tall jar or bottle with breathable cover (coffee filter or paper towel)

✅ Steps:

Add 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% dechlorinated water to a clean jar.

Add a small piece of fruit (apple slice or banana peel).

Introduce the starter culture.

Cover the jar with a breathable lid (e.g., paper towel secured with elastic).

Store at room temperature (20–25 °C), out of direct sunlight.

Within 1–2 weeks, the culture will bloom and be harvest-ready.

Speak to me about harvesting details and alternative culturing methods.

🔁 Culture Maintenance

• Top up with fresh vinegar and water every few weeks.

• Replace fruit every 3–4 weeks to prevent decay.

• Start a new culture every 4–6 weeks to keep a continuous supply.

✅ Why Use Vinegar Eels?

✔️ Perfect for feeding tiny fry in their first few weeks
✔️ Long-lasting culture with minimal space and care
✔️ Non-polluting – live in the water column until eaten
✔️ Simple to harvest without specialized equipment