Is Water flea kosher?

Water flea is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Has no fins or scales, so water flea is not kosher (Leviticus 11:9-12).

What is the scientific name of Water flea?

The scientific name of Water flea is Cladocera.

Does Water flea have fins and scales?

Water flea does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Water flea sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Water flea is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Water flea is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Water flea

Cladocera

Not Kosher

No fins or scales

Fins No

Scales No

Description

Water fleas are tiny crustaceans, most just 0.2 to 6 mm long, that live mostly in fresh water like lakes and ponds, with only a handful of truly oceanic species. They have a down-turned head with a single compound eye and a carapace over the body, and they've spread to a nearly worldwide distribution.

Also known as

Daphnia

Water flea in foreign languages

Scientific	Cladocera
Hebrew	דפנאים
Arabic	متفرعات القرون
Spanish	Cladoceros
Portuguese	Pulga-de-água
French	Cladocère
Italian	Ciclomorfosi
German	Wasserflöhe
Russian	Ветвистоусые
Chinese	枝角目
Japanese	枝角亜目

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A water flea is a tiny crustacean with no fins or scales, so it is not kosher.