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SCIENTIFIC PROFILE

Taxonomy and Evolution:

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Arthropoda

  • Subphylum: Crustacea

  • Class: Maxillopoda

  • Subclass: Copepoda

  • Order: Harpacticoida

  • Family: Harpacticidae

  • Genus: Tigriopus

  • Species: T. sirindhornae

 

Tigriopus sirindhornae was first identified in 2008 by marine biologists studying tidal pools along Thailand’s Andaman coast. This species represents an evolutionary marvel, having developed remarkable adaptations to survive extreme environmental fluctuations in its native intertidal habitats. Their genetic resilience makes them uniquely suited for captive propagation and aquarium applications.

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Morphological Distinctions:
Unlike other Tigriopus species, T. sirindhornae features:

  • Distinctive segmented exoskeleton with 10 body segments

  • Pronounced first antennae with specialized sensory setae

  • Sexual dimorphism with males displaying modified appendages for grasping females during reproduction

  • Enhanced pigmentation distributed throughout the exoskeleton rather than concentrated in specific regions

  • Specialized appendages optimized for both swimming and substrate attachment

 

Reproductive Biology:
T. sirindhornae employs a direct development reproductive strategy:

  • Males actively pursue and grasp females using specialized appendages

  • Fertilization occurs through spermatophore transfer

  • Females produce distinctive egg sacs containing 40-60 eggs per clutch

  • No planktonic larval stage - nauplii emerge fully formed but miniature

  • Sexual maturity reached within 14-18 days under optimal conditions

  • Reproductive temperature range: 72-84°F (optimal: 76-80°F)

FEEDING ECOLOGY

Nutritional Requirements:
Tigriopus sirindhornae are primarily detritivores and microalgae grazers with a complex feeding strategy:

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  • Primary Diet Components:

    • Benthic diatoms and unicellular algae

    • Bacterial biofilms and associated exopolymers

    • Fine particulate organic matter (FPOM)

    • Degrading plant and animal detritus

    • Microzooplankton when available

  • Feeding Mechanisms:

    • Specialized appendages filter particles as small as 2-5 microns

    • “Scraping” mouthparts remove biofilms from hard surfaces

    • Active hunting of smaller microorganisms

    • Continuous feeding behavior with peaks during dawn/dusk periods

  • Nutritional Synthesis:

    • Convert low-value detritus into high-value proteins and lipids

    • Bioaccumulate essential trace elements from microalgae

    • Produce omega-3 fatty acids from precursor compounds

    • Synthesize carotenoid pigments that enhance their nutritional profile

  • Environmental Impact:

    • Accelerate nutrient cycling by processing detritus

    • Control microalgae populations through grazing pressure

    • Serve as key intermediaries in marine food webs

    • Create microhabitat modifications through their feeding activities

ROLE IN REEF AQUARIA

Ecosystem Functions:

  • Biodiversity Enhancement:

    • Create complex trophic relationships within the aquarium ecosystem

    • Support specialized predators that require live prey

    • Establish multi-generational population dynamics

    • Occupy ecological niches that would otherwise remain vacant

  • Water Quality Management:

    • Remove suspended particulate organic matter

    • Convert detritus into biomass available to higher trophic levels

    • Reduce nutrients that would otherwise fuel problematic algae growth

    • Prevent accumulation of waste in cryptic spaces

  • Coral Health Support:

    • Provide direct nutrition to corals that capture nauplii

    • Create microcurrents that enhance coral polyp extension

    • Remove competing microalgae from coral surfaces

    • Break down coral mucus that might otherwise accumulate

  • Behavioral Enrichment:

    • Stimulate natural hunting behaviors in fish

    • Create dynamic microhabitat utilization patterns

    • Provide ongoing environmental enrichment through prey movement

    • Reduce aggression in fish by providing natural foraging opportunities

  • Bacterial Community Regulation:

    • Graze on bacterial biofilms, preventing overgrowth

    • Maintain balanced microbial communities through selective feeding

    • Disrupt potential pathogen establishment through surface cleaning

    • Promote beneficial bacterial colonization through feeding activities

CULTURE & MAINTENANCE

Professional Cultivation Techniques:

  • Laboratory Propagation:

    • Maintained in specialized recirculating aquaculture systems

    • Cultured in pristine artificial seawater (salinity: 1.024-1.026)

    • Temperature-controlled environments (78°F ± 1°)

    • Photoperiod regulation (14 hours light/10 hours dark)

    • Multi-stage filtration ensuring contaminant-free conditions

  • Nutritional Management:

    • Fed proprietary blend of:

    • Live phytoplankton (Nannochloropsis, Isochrysis, Tetraselmis)

    • Spirulina and chlorella powders

    • Marine-derived amino acid supplements

    • Specialized trace element formulations

    • Probiotic bacterial consortia

  • Quality Control Protocols:

    • Regular microscopic examination of cultures

    • DNA barcoding to verify species purity

    • Contaminant screening for potential pathogens

    • Nutritional profiling to ensure optimal composition

    • Activity assessment to guarantee vitality

  • Home Culture Recommendations:

    • Maintain in dedicated refugium (minimum 5 gallons)

    • Provide ample surface area with ceramic media or macroalgae

    • Ensure moderate water flow (20-30× turnover)

    • Feed high-quality phytoplankton 2-3 times weekly

    • Harvest excess population periodically to feed display tank

  • Common Challenges:

    • Predation pressure from fish, corals, and invertebrates

    • Competition from other microcrustaceans

    • Mechanical filtration removing nauplii

    • Protein skimmers capturing swimming stages

    • Potential sensitivity to copper-based medications

BEST APPLICATIONS IN YOUR REEF

Strategic Implementation:

  • System Types:

    • SPS-Dominated Reef: Tigriopus sirindhornae excel in SPS systems, where their continuous grazing keeps coral surfaces clean of competing algae and detritus, while nauplii provide supplemental nutrition for enhanced polyp extension.

    • LPS Mixed Reef: These copepods help maintain water clarity and provide direct nutrition to LPS corals like Euphyllia, which readily capture swimming stages during their feeding cycles.

    • Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR): Establish self-sustaining populations that support finicky eaters like mandarins and wrasses while controlling detritus accumulation.

    • Specialized Predator Systems: Create dedicated breeding grounds for continuous food production supporting seahorses, dragonets, and other copepod-dependent species.

  • Integration Methods:

    • Direct Addition: Release directly into the display tank during night hours when predation pressure is reduced.

    • Refugium Seeding: Establish breeding populations in protected areas that continuously supply the main system.

    • Cryptic Zone Inoculation: Target additions to areas beneath rocks and in crevices where they can establish protected colonies.

    • Phased Introduction: Multiple smaller additions over several weeks rather than a single large introduction.

  • Complementary Species:

    • Macroalgae Partners: Chaetomorpha, Gracilaria, and Ulva provide ideal habitat for copepod reproduction.

    • Beneficial Microfauna: Combine with amphipods and mysid shrimp for complete food web development.

    • Compatible Invertebrates: Non-predatory snails and select hermit crabs work synergistically as cleanup crew members.

  • Monitoring Success:

    • Visual Indicators: Observe copepods on glass during night hours with a flashlight

    • Fish Behavior: Note increased foraging activity and improved coloration in fish

    • Coral Response: Watch for enhanced polyp extension, particularly during evening hours

    • Surface Cleanliness: Reduction in microalgae films and detritus accumulation

    • Population Sampling: Periodic examination of filter floss or sump areas to assess reproduction

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What makes Tigriopus sirindhornae different from other copepod species?

A: Tigriopus sirindhornae stands out due to its larger size (0.9-1.4mm), distinctive orange-red coloration, exceptional hardiness, and superior nutritional profile. Unlike many other copepod species, T. sirindhornae has evolved in challenging intertidal environments, resulting in remarkable temperature and salinity tolerance. They also contain 3-5× higher concentrations of beneficial carotenoids like astaxanthin compared to other commonly available species, making them nutritionally superior for color enhancement in fish and corals.

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Q: How quickly will I see Tigriopus sirindhornae in my aquarium after adding them?

A: Many customers report seeing adult T. sirindhornae on tank walls and live rock within hours of introduction, particularly during evening hours with a flashlight. Their distinctive orange-red coloration and larger size make them more visible than other copepod species. However, most will quickly establish themselves in live rock crevices, sandbed, and other safe areas. You’ll notice their impact through improved water clarity and increased foraging behavior in fish long before you might regularly spot the copepods themselves.

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Q: Do I need to feed Tigriopus sirindhornae once they’re in my aquarium?

A: While T. sirindhornae will consume naturally occurring detritus and microalgae in established reef systems, supplemental feeding with phytoplankton 2-3 times weekly will significantly enhance their reproduction rate and nutritional value. We recommend our “Premium Phyto Blend” or similar quality products. In systems with extremely efficient filtration or low bioload, supplemental feeding becomes more important for maintaining thriving populations.

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Q: Can medications harm my Tigriopus sirindhornae population?

A: Many medications, particularly those containing copper, can severely impact copepod populations. If treatment is necessary, we recommend:

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  • Treating fish in a separate quarantine system when possible

  • Using copepod-safe medications like Prazipro or Metroplex when treatment in the display is unavoidable

  • Reseeding copepods after treatment is complete and medications have been fully removed (typically with carbon filtration)

  • Maintaining a refugium that can be isolated during treatment to preserve breeding populations

PODDROP PHYTO

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