Acartia tonsa Live Copepods
Acartia tonsa Live Copepods
Couldn't load pickup availability
Product Overview
Acartia tonsa is the cold-water champion copepod for temperate marine systems and seasonal reef applications. These 0.8-1.2mm calanoid copepods thrive in cooler temperatures (55-75°F) that challenge tropical species, making them essential for coldwater marine aquariums, seahorse systems, and temperate biotope tanks. Their robust calanoid body structure and active swimming provide excellent nutrition with high protein and omega-3 content optimized for coldwater fish metabolism.
Ideal for aquarists maintaining non-tropical systems or dealing with seasonal temperature fluctuations, Acartia establishes reproducing populations where warm-water copepods fail. The active planktonic lifestyle creates continuous feeding opportunities for seahorses, pipefish, temperate wrasses, and other coldwater planktivores. Acartia's larger size compared to Parvocalanus but smaller profile than Pseudodiaptomus creates a versatile mid-sized prey item suitable for diverse fish. Their calanoid classification indicates superior nutritional quality compared to cyclopoid or harpacticoid copepods. Acartia arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, actively reproducing and adapted to perform in cooler conditions where other species slow down.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Premium Planktonic Food: True pelagic copepods that mimic natural reef zooplankton behavior
Large Size for Fish: Adults reach 1-1.5mm, ideal for anthias, wrasses, and larger planktivores
Breeding System Essential: Critical live food for larval fish culture and fry development
Water Column Distribution: Calanoid swimming keeps them continuously available to fish
Nutritional Excellence: Superior fatty acid profile compared to harpacticoid species
Natural Feeding Trigger: Swimming motion stimulates feeding response in reluctant eaters
Premium Planktonic Food: True pelagic copepods that mimic natural reef zooplankton behavior
Large Size for Fish: Adults reach 1-1.5mm, ideal for anthias, wrasses, and larger planktivores
Breeding System Essential: Critical live food for larval fish culture and fry development
Water Column Distribution: Calanoid swimming keeps them continuously available to fish
Nutritional Excellence: Superior fatty acid profile compared to harpacticoid species
Natural Feeding Trigger: Swimming motion stimulates feeding response in reluctant eaters
Acartia tonsa represents a premium calanoid copepod species prized by professional aquarists and fish breeders worldwide. Unlike benthic harpacticoids or intermediate cyclopoids, these true planktonic copepods spend their entire life cycle swimming in open water. They tolerate temperatures from 68-78°F and adapt to varying salinity levels. Their graceful, hovering swimming motion differs dramatically from the jerky movements of cyclopoids, making them highly attractive to fish. Acartia tonsa are particularly valuable for breeding programs, seahorse systems, and aquariums focused on maintaining natural planktivorous fish behavior.
Acartia tonsa represents a premium calanoid copepod species prized by professional aquarists and fish breeders worldwide. Unlike benthic harpacticoids or intermediate cyclopoids, these true planktonic copepods spend their entire life cycle swimming in open water. They tolerate temperatures from 68-78°F and adapt to varying salinity levels. Their graceful, hovering swimming motion differs dramatically from the jerky movements of cyclopoids, making them highly attractive to fish. Acartia tonsa are particularly valuable for breeding programs, seahorse systems, and aquariums focused on maintaining natural planktivorous fish behavior.
Maximum Protein Content: 55-65% crude protein by dry weight
Superior Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Highest EPA and DHA ratios among copepod species
Essential Fatty Acid Profile: Critical long-chain PUFAs for fish reproduction and larval survival
Complete Amino Acids: Optimal ratios for growth, coloration, and immune function
Rich in Astaxanthin: Natural carotenoids enhance fish color and vitality
Digestible Energy: Highly bioavailable nutrients for efficient utilization
Maximum Protein Content: 55-65% crude protein by dry weight
Superior Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Highest EPA and DHA ratios among copepod species
Essential Fatty Acid Profile: Critical long-chain PUFAs for fish reproduction and larval survival
Complete Amino Acids: Optimal ratios for growth, coloration, and immune function
Rich in Astaxanthin: Natural carotenoids enhance fish color and vitality
Digestible Energy: Highly bioavailable nutrients for efficient utilization
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10-15 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods directly into your display tank or sump with moderate flow. Their planktonic nature means they'll distribute throughout the system immediately.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best added when fish are actively feeding to observe immediate consumption.
Population Boost: For breeding systems or planktivore-heavy tanks, start with 2-3 bottles per 75 gallons. Weekly or bi-weekly additions recommended as these copepods are less likely to establish self-sustaining populations than benthic species.
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10-15 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods directly into your display tank or sump with moderate flow. Their planktonic nature means they'll distribute throughout the system immediately.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best added when fish are actively feeding to observe immediate consumption.
Population Boost: For breeding systems or planktivore-heavy tanks, start with 2-3 bottles per 75 gallons. Weekly or bi-weekly additions recommended as these copepods are less likely to establish self-sustaining populations than benthic species.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe characteristic smooth, hovering swimming motion.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for optimal health.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum viability and feeding value. Can be held up to 3 days with cool temperatures and gentle aeration.
Feeding: Our copepods ship with live phytoplankton food supply—no feeding needed before adding to your tank.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe characteristic smooth, hovering swimming motion.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for optimal health.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum viability and feeding value. Can be held up to 3 days with cool temperatures and gentle aeration.
Feeding: Our copepods ship with live phytoplankton food supply—no feeding needed before adding to your tank.
All PodDrop copepods are guaranteed to arrive alive and actively moving. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to maintain health during transit. If copepods arrive deceased or your order has issues, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We ship using proven methods to ensure viable populations reach your reef aquarium.
All PodDrop copepods are guaranteed to arrive alive and actively moving. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to maintain health during transit. If copepods arrive deceased or your order has issues, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We ship using proven methods to ensure viable populations reach your reef aquarium.
Shipping: Monday-Wednesday via UPS 2nd Day Air for fast, reliable delivery. Arizona aquaculture license #91 ensures legal, biosecure cultures. Includes insulation and temperature protection.
Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders for extreme temperatures to ensure live arrival.
Returns: Live copepods cannot be returned once shipped due to their perishable nature. Contact us before shipping for order modifications.
Tracking: Confirmation email sent when your order ships with UPS tracking number.
Shipping: Monday-Wednesday via UPS 2nd Day Air for fast, reliable delivery. Arizona aquaculture license #91 ensures legal, biosecure cultures. Includes insulation and temperature protection.
Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders for extreme temperatures to ensure live arrival.
Returns: Live copepods cannot be returned once shipped due to their perishable nature. Contact us before shipping for order modifications.
Tracking: Confirmation email sent when your order ships with UPS tracking number.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Acartia tonsa cultures are:
Raised in isolated, quarantine-controlled systems
Free from parasites, diseases, and pest organisms
Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
100% aquacultured for sustainability and biosecurity
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Acartia tonsa cultures are:
Raised in isolated, quarantine-controlled systems
Free from parasites, diseases, and pest organisms
Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
100% aquacultured for sustainability and biosecurity
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
-
Ships Monday through Wednesday
-
USA Aquacultured
-
Free Shipping Order $55+
-
Secure Checkout