Apocyclops panamensis Live Copepods
Apocyclops panamensis Live Copepods
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Product Overview
Apocyclops panamensis is the premier water column copepod for feeding corals and planktivorous fish. These medium-sized (0.6-0.9mm) free-swimming specialists cruise through coral colonies and mid-water zones, making them exceptionally available to both sessile coral polyps and active fish hunters. Their planktonic lifestyle fills the ecological niche between benthic Tisbe and surface-oriented Tigriopus.
Perfect for mixed reef systems, Apocyclops colonizes coral branches, macroalgae, and moderate-flow areas throughout your aquarium. Tropical specialization means they thrive in standard reef temperatures (74-82°F) with consistent activity and reproduction. Their intermediate size and swimming behavior make them ideal coral food—polyps capture them more easily than faster surface copepods while they provide more nutrition than tiny benthic species. Apocyclops arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, actively reproducing and ready to distribute throughout your reef.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Water Column Feeders: Cyclopoid swimming behavior makes them more accessible to fish than benthic species
Ideal Size Range: Medium size (0.8-1.2mm) bridges the gap between Tisbe and Tigriopus
Excellent for Seahorses: Preferred live food for seahorses, pipefish, and mandarin dragonets
Rapid Reproduction: Fast generation time establishes sustainable populations quickly
Detritus and Algae Control: Actively consume organic waste, microalgae, and biofilm
Coral Nutrition: Nauplii stages provide excellent zooplankton for coral feeding
Water Column Feeders: Cyclopoid swimming behavior makes them more accessible to fish than benthic species
Ideal Size Range: Medium size (0.8-1.2mm) bridges the gap between Tisbe and Tigriopus
Excellent for Seahorses: Preferred live food for seahorses, pipefish, and mandarin dragonets
Rapid Reproduction: Fast generation time establishes sustainable populations quickly
Detritus and Algae Control: Actively consume organic waste, microalgae, and biofilm
Coral Nutrition: Nauplii stages provide excellent zooplankton for coral feeding
Apocyclops panamensis are uniquely suited for reef aquariums due to their intermediate size and active swimming behavior. Unlike strictly benthic copepods, these cyclopoids spend significant time in the water column while still maintaining refugium populations. They tolerate temperatures from 70-82°F and adapt well to varying salinity levels. Their jerky, darting swimming motion triggers feeding responses in finicky fish. Apocyclops are particularly valuable for aquarists keeping multiple copepod species, as they fill a different ecological niche than harpacticoids.
Apocyclops panamensis are uniquely suited for reef aquariums due to their intermediate size and active swimming behavior. Unlike strictly benthic copepods, these cyclopoids spend significant time in the water column while still maintaining refugium populations. They tolerate temperatures from 70-82°F and adapt well to varying salinity levels. Their jerky, darting swimming motion triggers feeding responses in finicky fish. Apocyclops are particularly valuable for aquarists keeping multiple copepod species, as they fill a different ecological niche than harpacticoids.
High Protein Content: 52-62% crude protein by dry weight
Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Abundant EPA and DHA for fish health and reproduction
Complete Amino Acid Profile: All essential amino acids for optimal growth
Easily Digestible: Soft body structure for efficient nutrient absorption
Natural Pigments: Carotenoids enhance fish coloration and immune response
High Protein Content: 52-62% crude protein by dry weight
Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Abundant EPA and DHA for fish health and reproduction
Complete Amino Acid Profile: All essential amino acids for optimal growth
Easily Digestible: Soft body structure for efficient nutrient absorption
Natural Pigments: Carotenoids enhance fish coloration and immune response
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out. Apocyclops will naturally migrate between refugium and display tank, establishing in both areas.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and moderate flow. Best added before introducing copepod-eating fish.
Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for seahorse tanks or mandarin dragonets. Their active swimming makes them immediately available as live food.
Acclimation: Float the sealed container in your tank for 15-20 minutes to temperature acclimate. Slowly add small amounts of tank water over 10 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium or sump after lights out. Apocyclops will naturally migrate between refugium and display tank, establishing in both areas.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and moderate flow. Best added before introducing copepod-eating fish.
Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for seahorse tanks or mandarin dragonets. Their active swimming makes them immediately available as live food.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe characteristic jerky swimming motion.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (70-78°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration beneficial for holds over 24 hours.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. 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 jerky swimming motion.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (70-78°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration beneficial for holds over 24 hours.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. 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 Apocyclops panamensis 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 Apocyclops panamensis 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.
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