Tigriopus californicus Live Copepods
Tigriopus californicus Live Copepods
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Product Overview
Tigriopus californicus is the hardiest, most productive copepod species available for reef aquariums. These large (1.0-1.5mm) surface-dwelling copepods reproduce faster than any other species—7-10 day generation times—while containing the highest omega-3 fatty acid levels of any copepod. Their distinctive red-orange coloration indicates exceptional nutritional quality from carotenoid accumulation.
Ideal for feeding mandarins, wrasses, dottybacks, and other planktivorous fish, Tigriopus's meaty adults provide substantial nutrition while their explosive reproduction ensures constant food availability. Extreme temperature tolerance (45-95°F) and resilience to water quality fluctuations make them perfect for refugium cultivation where you can harvest continuously. The large, visible size lets you monitor population health at a glance. Tigriopus arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, already reproducing and ready to establish in your system.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Superior Live Food: Large size (1-2mm) makes them ideal for dragonets, anthias, and other planktivorous fish
Detritus Control: Actively graze on biofilm, uneaten food, and organic waste in your refugium and display
Self-Sustaining Population: Reproduce quickly in reef tanks with proper conditions
Coral Nutrition: Nauplii and adults provide natural zooplankton for LPS and SPS corals
Refugium Stability: Help maintain biological balance and nutrient cycling
Superior Live Food: Large size (1-2mm) makes them ideal for dragonets, anthias, and other planktivorous fish
Detritus Control: Actively graze on biofilm, uneaten food, and organic waste in your refugium and display
Self-Sustaining Population: Reproduce quickly in reef tanks with proper conditions
Coral Nutrition: Nauplii and adults provide natural zooplankton for LPS and SPS corals
Refugium Stability: Help maintain biological balance and nutrient cycling
Tigriopus californicus are exceptionally hardy copepods that tolerate a wide range of temperatures (60-80°F) and salinities, making them perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. These bright red-orange copepods are easily visible crawling on rocks and glass, allowing you to monitor population health. Unlike benthic species, Tigger Pods actively swim in the water column, making them more available to fish while still maintaining refugium populations.
Tigriopus californicus are exceptionally hardy copepods that tolerate a wide range of temperatures (60-80°F) and salinities, making them perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. These bright red-orange copepods are easily visible crawling on rocks and glass, allowing you to monitor population health. Unlike benthic species, Tigger Pods actively swim in the water column, making them more available to fish while still maintaining refugium populations.
High Protein Content: 50-60% crude protein by dry weight
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential EPA and DHA for fish health and coloration
Complete Amino Acid Profile: All essential amino acids for optimal growth
Natural Carotenoids: Enhances fish color and immune function
Live Enzymes: Better digestibility than frozen or dried alternatives
High Protein Content: 50-60% crude protein by dry weight
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential EPA and DHA for fish health and coloration
Complete Amino Acid Profile: All essential amino acids for optimal growth
Natural Carotenoids: Enhances fish color and immune function
Live Enzymes: Better digestibility than frozen or dried alternatives
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 for best survival. If adding directly to display, target low-flow areas near rockwork.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best results when added before introducing copepod-eating fish.
Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets, start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons. Maintenance doses of 1 bottle monthly help sustain populations.
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 for best survival. If adding directly to display, target low-flow areas near rockwork.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters. Best results when added before introducing copepod-eating fish.
Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets, start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons. Maintenance doses of 1 bottle monthly help sustain populations.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Light movement is normal during temperature acclimation.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (65-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration helps but isn't required.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. Can be held up to 3 days if kept cool with 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. Light movement is normal during temperature acclimation.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (65-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration helps but isn't required.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. Can be held up to 3 days if kept cool with 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 Tigriopus californicus 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
Never wild-collected—100% aquacultured for sustainability
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 Tigriopus californicus 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
Never wild-collected—100% aquacultured for sustainability
Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
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