Tigriopus californicus Live Copepods

Product Overview

Tigriopus californicus are large, active harpacticoid copepods native to Pacific coast tide pools. These hardy copepods thrive in reef aquariums, providing essential live nutrition for finicky eaters like mandarins, seahorses, and coral. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Superior Live Food: Large size (1-2mm) makes them ideal for dragonets, anthias, and other planktivorous fish
• Detritus Control: Actively graze on biofilm, uneaten food, and organic waste in your refugium and display
• Self-Sustaining Population: Reproduce quickly in reef tanks with proper conditions
• Coral Nutrition: Nauplii and adults provide natural zooplankton for LPS and SPS corals
• Refugium Stability: Help maintain biological balance and nutrient cycling

Species Highlights

Tigriopus californicus are exceptionally hardy copepods that tolerate a wide range of temperatures (60-80°F) and salinities, making them perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. These bright red-orange copepods are easily visible crawling on rocks and glass, allowing you to monitor population health. Unlike benthic species, Tigger Pods actively swim in the water column, making them more available to fish while still maintaining refugium populations.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Content: 50-60% crude protein by dry weight
• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential EPA and DHA for fish health and coloration
• Complete Amino Acid Profile: All essential amino acids for optimal growth
• Natural Carotenoids: Enhances fish color and immune function
• Live Enzymes: Better digestibility than frozen or dried alternatives

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 for best survival. If adding directly to display, target low-flow areas near rockwork.

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

Population Boost: For mandarin dragonets, start with 2-3 bottles per 50 gallons. Maintenance doses of 1 bottle monthly help sustain populations.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Light movement is normal during temperature acclimation.

Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (65-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration helps but isn't required.

Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum population establishment. Can be held up to 3 days if kept cool with 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 Tigriopus californicus 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
• Never wild-collected—100% aquacultured for sustainability

Proper Handling: Wash hands before and after handling. Never release copepods into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.