Tisbe biminiensis Live Copepods

Product Overview

Tisbe biminiensis are small, prolific harpacticoid copepods ideal for reef aquariums with small fish, juvenile specimens, and coral feeding. These fast-reproducing copepods establish quickly in refugiums and rockwork, providing a continuous supply of live zooplankton. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to colonize your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Perfect Size for Small Fish: Tiny adults (0.5-0.8mm) and nauplii ideal for gobies, blennies, and juvenile fish
• Explosive Reproduction: Short generation time produces dense populations rapidly
• Coral Food Source: Abundant nauplii provide excellent nutrition for SPS and LPS corals
• Biofilm Grazers: Help control algae films and detritus in refugiums and cryptic zones
• Synodontid Dragonet Food: Ideal supplemental food for smaller mandarin species and scooter blennies

Species Highlights

Tisbe biminiensis are one of the fastest-reproducing copepod species available to reef aquarists, with populations doubling every 7-10 days under optimal conditions. These small, agile copepods thrive in temperatures from 68-80°F and tolerate varying salinity levels. Their diminutive size makes them less visible than Tigriopus, but their abundance compensates by providing constant food availability. Tisbe copepods are benthic (bottom-dwelling) but readily swim when disturbed, making them accessible to fish while maintaining cryptic populations.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Content: 55-65% crude protein by dry weight
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in EPA and DHA for optimal fish development
• Essential Amino Acids: Complete profile supports growth and immune function
• Highly Digestible: Small size and soft exoskeleton for easy consumption
• Natural Astaxanthin: Supports vibrant coloration in fish and corals

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 after lights out for best establishment. Target areas with macroalgae, live rock rubble, or substrate where they can colonize.

Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with mature biofilm and stable parameters. Can be added to newer tanks if phytoplankton is supplemented.

Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for initial seeding. Their rapid reproduction means populations establish faster than other species.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Small size means movement may be less obvious than larger species.

Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (68-75°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration recommended for holds over 24 hours.

Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum viable population. 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 Tisbe biminiensis 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.