Brine shrimp eggs, or Artemia cysts, are dormant eggs that hatch into live brine shrimp (nauplii) when exposed to salt water, light, and proper temperature, typically within 18-36 hours. These newly hatched nauplii are a highly nutritious live food, rich in protein and essential fatty acids, which are vital for the healthy growth and development of fish fry, juvenile fish, and various invertebrates. While the eggs themselves are indigestible, they serve as a convenient, long-term source for providing a natural, nutrient-rich meal that stimulates a fish's natural hunting instincts.