Live Copepods & Phytoplankton Species Guide
Expert care guides and species comparisons for live copepods and phytoplankton. Cultivated by Arizona's licensed aquaculture facility with science-backed protocols for optimal aquarium nutrition.
WELCOME TO OUR KNOWLEDGE HUB
At PodDrop, we specialize in cultivating premium live copepods and phytoplankton for reef aquariums, marine breeding systems, and advanced aquaculture applications. As a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility, our mission is to provide clean, nutrient-rich live cultures supported by scientific methodology and real-world reefing experience.
Inside our Knowledge Hub, you’ll find in-depth species profiles, feeding recommendations, culture insights, and practical guidance designed to help aquarists better understand the organisms that power healthy marine ecosystems.
Whether you’re maintaining a thriving SPS reef, raising finicky mandarins, culturing larval fish, or simply exploring live nutrition for the first time, our guides are built to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Discover the science behind each species and learn why aquarists worldwide trust PodDrop for premium live cultures and reef nutrition solutions.
LIVE COPEPOD SPECIES
Click any species to explore complete care guides, culturing tips, and optimal feeding protocols.
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TISBE BIMINIENSIS
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEBenthic Reef-Safe Pod
Perfect for:
- Mandarin dragonfish
- SPS coral feeding
- Wrasses & small fish
- Refugium establishment
Size: 0.5-1.0mm
Habitat: Sand beds & rockwork
Reproduction: Fast (2-3 weeks) -
TIGRIOPUS CALIFORNICUS
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILELarge High-Protein Pelagic
Perfect for:
- Seahorses & pipefish
- Anthias & basslets
- Dragonets
- Intensive coral feeding
Size: 1.0-1.5mm
Habitat: Water column
Reproduction: Moderate (3-4 weeks) -
APOCYCLOPS PANAMENSIS
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEDetritivore Refugium Specialist
Perfect for:
- Refugium cleanup
- Nutrient control
- Small fish & coral
- Self-sustaining populations
Size: 0.6-1.0mm
Habitat: Refugium/macroalgae
Reproduction: Continuous -
TIGRIOPUS SIRINDHORNAE
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILERare Cold-Tolerant Thai Species
Perfect for:
- Advanced hobbyists
- Species biodiversity
- Cold-water systems
- Research applications
Size: 1.0-1.3mm
Habitat: Water column
Reproduction: Moderate -
ACARTIA TONSA
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEResearch-Grade Calanoid
Perfect for:
- Larval fish rearing
- Research institutions
- Advanced breeding
- Premium nutrition
Size: 0.8-1.2mm
Habitat: Water column -
PARVOCALANUS CRASSIROSTRIS
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEMicro Pelagic Species
Perfect for:
- Small-mouth fish
- SPS coral polyps
- Larval fish food
- High-density cultures
Size: 0.4-0.7mm
Habitat: Water column -
PSEUDODIAPTOMUS PELAGICUS
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILELarge Calanoid Copepod
Perfect for:
- Large fish feeding
- Coral broadcast feeding
- Pelagic reef systems
- Advanced biodiversity
Size: 1.2-1.8mm
Habitat: Water column
Reproduction: Moderate -
OITHONA COLCARVA
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEMicro Cyclopoid Species
Perfect for:
- SPS coral feeding
- Larval fish nutrition
- Small-mouth fish
- Research applications
Size: 0.3-0.5mm
Habitat: Water column
Reproduction: Continuous
UNLOCK PREMIUM LIVE COPEPODS FOR YOUR AQUARIUM
Elevate your aquatic ecosystem with our premium live copepods—the natural food source your fish and corals crave. Limited stock available. Order now to ensure freshness and availability.
MORE SPECIES COMING
We're constantly expanding our culture library. Check back for new rare and research-grade copepod species.
LIVE PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES
Essential nutrition for copepods, corals, clams, and filter feeders. Each species offers unique nutritional profiles and particle sizes.
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NANNOCHLOROPSIS OCULATA
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEGreen Microalgae | 2-4 microns
Perfect for:
- Copepod cultures
- Bivalve feeding (clams)
- Nutrient export
- Omega-3 rich
Density: High
Color: Dark green
Refrigeration: 2-4 weeks -
TETRASELMIS CHUI
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILELarge-Cell Green Algae | 10-14 microns
Perfect for:
- Large copepod species
- Artemia enrichment
- Coral broadcast feeding
- Zooplankton cultures
Density: Medium
Color: Bright green
Refrigeration: 2-3 weeks -
ISOCHRYSIS GALBANA
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEGolden Microalgae | 4-6 microns
Perfect for:
- Rotifer enrichment
- Copepod nutrition
- Coral feeding (LPS/SPS)
- Larval fish food
Density: Medium-high
Color: Golden brown
Refrigeration: 2-3 weeks -
TISOCHRYSIS LUTEA
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEPremium Golden Algae | 4-6 microns
Perfect for:
- Copepod breeding
- Bivalve nutrition
- High-lipid content
- Larval fish enrichment
Density: High
Color: Golden yellow
Refrigeration: 2-3 weeks -
THALASSIOSIRA WEISSFLOGII
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILEDiatom | 8-15 microns
Perfect for:
- Copepod nutrition
- Bivalve feeding
- Larval fish food
- Silica-based nutrition
Density: Medium-high
Color: Golden brown
Refrigeration: 1-2 weeks -
RHODOMONAS SALINA
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILERed Cryptophyte | 8-12 microns
Perfect for:
- Copepod breeding
- Clam & oyster nutrition
- SPS/LPS corals
- High amino acid content
Density: Medium
Color: Red-brown
Refrigeration: 1-2 weeks -
RHODOMONAS LENS
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILESmall Red Cryptophyte | 6-10 microns
Perfect for:
- Small copepod species
- Rotifer enrichment
- Coral feeding
- Premium nutrition
Density: Medium-high
Color: Deep red
Refrigeration: 1-2 weeks -
PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM
EXPLORE SPECIES PROFILERed Microalgae | 8-12 microns
Perfect for:
- Copepod enrichment
- High polysaccharide content
- Immune system support
- Coral mucus production
Density: Medium-high
Color: Deep red-purple
Refrigeration: 2-3 weeks
BOOST YOUR AQUARIUM'S FOUNDATION WITH PREMIUM PHYTOPLANKTON
Discover the essential building block of a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Our premium phytoplankton provides superior nutrition for filter feeders, corals, and larvae while promoting crystal-clear water quality. Start your journey to a healthier aquarium today.
MORE PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES
We're expanding our phytoplankton library with additional premium species. Check back for updates or contact us about custom cultures.
FEATURED GUIDES & ARTICLES
Expert insights on copepod care, phytoplankton cultivation, and reef nutrition from our licensed aquaculture facility.
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NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF COPEPODS: WHY THEY'RE ESSENTIAL
READ FULL ARTICLEDeep dive into what makes copepods nutritionally superior. Understanding protein content, fatty acids, and how diet affects copepod quality for your reef.
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A COMPLETE GUIDE TO LIVE NUTRITION COPEPODS FOR YOUR REEF AQUARIUM
READ FULL ARTICLEDiscover why copepods are the hidden engine powering your reef ecosystem. Learn species selection, seeding strategies, and how to build a self-sustaining food web.
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TIGRIOPUS CALIFORNICUS CULTURE: A COMPLETE SETUP GUIDE
READ FULL ARTICLEMaster the art of culturing Tigriopus californicus for your reef tank. From setup and feeding to harvesting and troubleshooting—everything you need for explosive growth.
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DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO CULTURING TISBE BIMINIENSIS COPEPODS
READ FULL ARTICLELearn why Tisbe biminiensis is your reef's secret weapon. Complete guide to culturing, feeding, and maintaining this benthic cleanup crew and live food source.