Parvocalanus crassirostris Live Copepods
Parvocalanus crassirostris Live Copepods
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Product Overview
Parvocalanus crassirostris is the tiny tropical calanoid copepod engineered by nature for coral feeding. These minute 0.4-0.6mm planktonic specialists represent the smallest copepod species available to reef aquarists, making them ideal for small-polyp stony corals, zoanthids, and other invertebrates with tiny feeding appendages. Their free-swimming behavior combined with diminutive size creates perfect coral prey that larger copepod species cannot match.
Ideal for SPS-dominated systems and coral propagation facilities, Parvocalanus colonizes the water column in dense swarms that provide continuous feeding opportunities. The tropical specialization (75-82°F optimal) ensures vigorous activity and reproduction in standard reef conditions. Their small size also makes them perfect starter food for copepod-eating fish like mandarins—newly introduced fish often accept Parvocalanus more readily than larger species. Despite their size, these calanoid copepods contain complete nutrition with balanced omega-3 profiles. Parvocalanus arrives in actively feeding cultures with live phytoplankton, actively reproducing and swarming through the water column.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Versatile Size Range: Adults (0.6-1.0mm) suitable for both small fish and coral feeding
Rapid Reproduction: Fast generation time produces abundant populations quickly
Planktonic Lifestyle: Calanoid swimming behavior keeps them suspended and available
Excellent for Coral: Ideal size for SPS, LPS, and soft coral polyp capture
Small Fish Specialist: Perfect for gobies, juvenile fish, and seahorse fry
Multi-Purpose Nutrition: Serves both fish and coral feeding needs simultaneously
Versatile Size Range: Adults (0.6-1.0mm) suitable for both small fish and coral feeding
Rapid Reproduction: Fast generation time produces abundant populations quickly
Planktonic Lifestyle: Calanoid swimming behavior keeps them suspended and available
Excellent for Coral: Ideal size for SPS, LPS, and soft coral polyp capture
Small Fish Specialist: Perfect for gobies, juvenile fish, and seahorse fry
Multi-Purpose Nutrition: Serves both fish and coral feeding needs simultaneously
Parvocalanus crassirostris represents an optimal middle-ground copepod species for reef aquariums, combining the planktonic advantages of calanoids with a size range that benefits diverse reef organisms. These copepods tolerate temperatures from 70-80°F and adapt well to standard reef parameters. Their smooth, gliding swimming motion attracts planktivorous fish while remaining small enough for coral consumption. Parvocalanus are particularly valuable for mixed reef systems where both fish nutrition and coral feeding are priorities. Their rapid reproduction rate allows for sustainable populations with regular phytoplankton supplementation.
Parvocalanus crassirostris represents an optimal middle-ground copepod species for reef aquariums, combining the planktonic advantages of calanoids with a size range that benefits diverse reef organisms. These copepods tolerate temperatures from 70-80°F and adapt well to standard reef parameters. Their smooth, gliding swimming motion attracts planktivorous fish while remaining small enough for coral consumption. Parvocalanus are particularly valuable for mixed reef systems where both fish nutrition and coral feeding are priorities. Their rapid reproduction rate allows for sustainable populations with regular phytoplankton supplementation.
High Protein Content: 54-64% crude protein by dry weight
Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA levels for fish and coral health
Balanced Lipid Profile: Optimal fatty acid ratios for growth and coloration
Complete Amino Acids: All essential amino acids in digestible form
Natural Carotenoids: Supports pigmentation and immune function
Optimal Prey Size: Perfect dimensions for maximum consumption efficiency
High Protein Content: 54-64% crude protein by dry weight
Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA levels for fish and coral health
Balanced Lipid Profile: Optimal fatty acid ratios for growth and coloration
Complete Amino Acids: All essential amino acids in digestible form
Natural Carotenoids: Supports pigmentation and immune function
Optimal Prey Size: Perfect dimensions for maximum consumption efficiency
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 display tank or refugium during evening hours. Their planktonic nature distributes them throughout the water column naturally.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and regular phytoplankton feeding. Best results in systems with moderate flow.
Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for mixed reef tanks. Bi-weekly additions help maintain consistent populations alongside other copepod 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 display tank or refugium during evening hours. Their planktonic nature distributes them throughout the water column naturally.
Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and regular phytoplankton feeding. Best results in systems with moderate flow.
Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for mixed reef tanks. Bi-weekly additions help maintain consistent populations alongside other copepod species.
Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe graceful swimming motion typical of calanoid copepods.
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 viability. 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 graceful swimming motion typical of calanoid copepods.
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 viability. 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 Parvocalanus crassirostris 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 Parvocalanus crassirostris 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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