Oithona copepods for sale are one of the smallest and most valuable zooplankton species used in advanced reef aquaculture. Their ultra-fine size makes them ideal for feeding SPS corals, filter feeders, nano reef fish, and delicate larvae that require tiny, highly digestible live plankton.
Oithona remain suspended in the water column longer than most copepods, providing constant micro-nutrition and supporting natural reef feeding rhythms. This behavior makes them especially effective for acropora systems, NPS corals, gorgonians, feather dusters, and early-stage fry that depend on small particle foods.
PODDROP Oithona Colcarva Live Copepods
• Perfect Micro-Size for SPS, Micro-Corals & Filter Feeders
Oithona colcarva produces nauplii and copepodites in the 50–120 micron range — an ideal particle size for Acropora, Montipora, birdsnest, goniopora, dendronephthya, azoox corals, chili corals, gorgonians, sponges, tunicates, and bivalves. Their constant availability provides continuous micro-feeding that promotes stronger growth, better tissue extension, and improved coloration.
• Highly Nutritious Live Zooplankton
Rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs), amino acids, and micro-proteins, Oithona acts as a high-energy live food source that supports coral metabolism, polyp regeneration, and reproductive health. Fish that graze on small, constant prey sources — such as mandarins, wrasses, and pipefish — show noticeable improvements in body weight and feeding behavior.
• Constant Water-Column Activity Stimulates Corals
Unlike benthic pods, Oithona remains suspended in the midwater column, exhibiting active, darting swimming behavior. This natural motion triggers feeding responses in corals and finicky fish, resulting in better nighttime feeding, enhanced polyp extension, and increased biological engagement from the entire reef system.
• Strengthens Reef Biodiversity & Long-Term Stability
A thriving Oithona population adds measurable biodiversity and functional microfauna activity. Their rapid reproduction helps stabilize the tank through:
– Natural micro-grazing
– Organic matter conversion
– Improved particulate breakdown
– Enhanced nutrient cycling
This contributes to a more balanced, stable, and resilient reef ecosystem.
• Excellent for Larval & Fry Feeding
Oithona nauplii are small enough for many marine larvae and juvenile fish to consume, including clownfish, gobies, blennies, and other micro-predators. Their small, slow-moving nauplii improve survival rates during early development stages when nutrition is critical.
• Clean, Aquacultured & Pathogen-Free Stock
PodDrop’s Oithona cultures are produced in controlled aquaculture systems, meaning:
– No parasites
– No hitchhikers
– No invasive algae
– No rotifers or cross-contamination
This ensures the reef receives only pure, species-specific copepods with consistent density and quality in every bottle.
