Apocyclops panamensis Live Copepods

Product Overview

Apocyclops panamensis are medium-sized cyclopoid copepods that excel in reef aquariums as both a live food source and detritus control organism. These active swimmers occupy the water column more than harpacticoid species, making them highly available to planktivorous fish. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Water Column Feeders: Cyclopoid swimming behavior makes them more accessible to fish than benthic species
• Ideal Size Range: Medium size (0.8-1.2mm) bridges the gap between Tisbe and Tigriopus
• Excellent for Seahorses: Preferred live food for seahorses, pipefish, and mandarin dragonets
• Rapid Reproduction: Fast generation time establishes sustainable populations quickly
• Detritus and Algae Control: Actively consume organic waste, microalgae, and biofilm
• Coral Nutrition: Nauplii stages provide excellent zooplankton for coral feeding

Species Highlights

Apocyclops panamensis are uniquely suited for reef aquariums due to their intermediate size and active swimming behavior. Unlike strictly benthic copepods, these cyclopoids spend significant time in the water column while still maintaining refugium populations. They tolerate temperatures from 70-82°F and adapt well to varying salinity levels. Their jerky, darting swimming motion triggers feeding responses in finicky fish. Apocyclops are particularly valuable for aquarists keeping multiple copepod species, as they fill a different ecological niche than harpacticoids.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Content: 52-62% crude protein by dry weight
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Abundant EPA and DHA for fish health and reproduction
• Complete Amino Acid Profile: All essential amino acids for optimal growth
• Easily Digestible: Soft body structure for efficient nutrient absorption
• Natural Pigments: Carotenoids enhance fish coloration and immune response

How to Add to Your Tank

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. Apocyclops will naturally migrate between refugium and display tank, establishing in both areas.

Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and moderate flow. Best added before introducing copepod-eating fish.

Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for seahorse tanks or mandarin dragonets. Their active swimming makes them immediately available as live food.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe characteristic jerky swimming motion.

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 establishment. 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.

Live Arrival Guarantee

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 & Return Policy

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.

Live Animal Handling Compliance

PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Apocyclops panamensis 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.