Tisbe biminiensis Live Copepods
Tisbe biminiensis Live Copepods
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Product Overview
Tisbe biminiensis is the ultimate refugium and sandbed copepod for reef aquariums. These small (0.5-0.8mm) benthic specialists establish massive breeding populations in cryptic spaces, producing continuous generations of tiny nauplii that feed mandarins, seahorses, anthias, and small-polyp corals. With reproduction rates of 7-10 days per generation, Tisbe creates self-sustaining populations even under heavy predation pressure.
Perfect for reefers seeking long-term copepod sustainability, Tisbe colonizes sand substrates and live rock crevices where their burrowing behavior oxygenates sediments while processing detritus. Their cryptic lifestyle protects breeding populations, ensuring your tank maintains steady copepod output for years. Tisbe arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton—not sterile water—meaning your copepods are already reproductive and begin establishing immediately upon introduction.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Perfect Size for Small Fish: Tiny adults (0.5-0.8mm) and nauplii ideal for gobies, blennies, and juvenile fish
Explosive Reproduction: Short generation time produces dense populations rapidly
Coral Food Source: Abundant nauplii provide excellent nutrition for SPS and LPS corals
Biofilm Grazers: Help control algae films and detritus in refugiums and cryptic zones
Synodontid Dragonet Food: Ideal supplemental food for smaller mandarin species and scooter blennies
Perfect Size for Small Fish: Tiny adults (0.5-0.8mm) and nauplii ideal for gobies, blennies, and juvenile fish
Explosive Reproduction: Short generation time produces dense populations rapidly
Coral Food Source: Abundant nauplii provide excellent nutrition for SPS and LPS corals
Biofilm Grazers: Help control algae films and detritus in refugiums and cryptic zones
Synodontid Dragonet Food: Ideal supplemental food for smaller mandarin species and scooter blennies
Tisbe biminiensis are one of the fastest-reproducing copepod species available to reef aquarists, with populations doubling every 7-10 days under optimal conditions. These small, agile copepods thrive in temperatures from 68-80°F and tolerate varying salinity levels. Their diminutive size makes them less visible than Tigriopus, but their abundance compensates by providing constant food availability. Tisbe copepods are benthic (bottom-dwelling) but readily swim when disturbed, making them accessible to fish while maintaining cryptic populations.
Tisbe biminiensis are one of the fastest-reproducing copepod species available to reef aquarists, with populations doubling every 7-10 days under optimal conditions. These small, agile copepods thrive in temperatures from 68-80°F and tolerate varying salinity levels. Their diminutive size makes them less visible than Tigriopus, but their abundance compensates by providing constant food availability. Tisbe copepods are benthic (bottom-dwelling) but readily swim when disturbed, making them accessible to fish while maintaining cryptic populations.
High Protein Content: 55-65% crude protein by dry weight
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in EPA and DHA for optimal fish development
Essential Amino Acids: Complete profile supports growth and immune function
Highly Digestible: Small size and soft exoskeleton for easy consumption
Natural Astaxanthin: Supports vibrant coloration in fish and corals
High Protein Content: 55-65% crude protein by dry weight
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in EPA and DHA for optimal fish development
Essential Amino Acids: Complete profile supports growth and immune function
Highly Digestible: Small size and soft exoskeleton for easy consumption
Natural Astaxanthin: Supports vibrant coloration in fish and corals
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 after lights out for best establishment. Target areas with macroalgae, live rock rubble, or substrate where they can colonize.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with mature biofilm and stable parameters. Can be added to newer tanks if phytoplankton is supplemented.
Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for initial seeding. Their rapid reproduction means populations establish faster than other 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 minutes.
Introduction: Pour copepods into your refugium after lights out for best establishment. Target areas with macroalgae, live rock rubble, or substrate where they can colonize.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with mature biofilm and stable parameters. Can be added to newer tanks if phytoplankton is supplemented.
Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for initial seeding. Their rapid reproduction means populations establish faster than other species.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Small size means movement may be less obvious than larger species.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for holds over 24 hours.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum viable population. 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. Small size means movement may be less obvious than larger species.
Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for holds over 24 hours.
Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum viable population. 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 Tisbe biminiensis 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 Tisbe biminiensis 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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