Copepods are small crustaceans that reside in both freshwater and saltwater environments. These copepods are detritivores whom consume dead organic matter, detritus, phytoplankton. There are a variety of species ranging from Tisbe biminiesis, Apocyclops panamensis, and Tigriopus californicus which are most prominant in the saltwater hobby. These microorganisms are plentiful in carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and other nutrients!

Phytoplankton is a group of microalgae that makes up the basis of all food chains in the ocean. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and other nutrients, it makes a wonderful addition to your feeding regimen. Species available for sale are only Nannochloropsis.

Well ask yourself this, what are you using copepods for? Do you wish to increase the diversity of microfauna in your aquaria, want something that breeds readily and rapidly in your aquarium? Tisbe or apex pods are the way to go. These are fast breeders and are benthic copepods, meaning they stay near the rocks and substrate, and reproduce rapidly as they are not noticed by pelagic fishes. Tisbes and apex pods work great for mandarin gobies, dragonettes, various wrasses, and other fishes that search the rockwork for a meal. Larger copepods such as Tigriopus californicus are great for various fishes as they are larger and are easier to be seen. The downside to Tigriopus is that, because they are a cold water species, have a hard time repopulating an aquarium, thur requiring more purchases later on.

There are a variety of methodologies uses to culture these live foods. They require time and effort to explain so the best way to ask is to email mailemadereefsupplies@gmail.com to answer any questions you might have concerning starting your own culture.