Oithona colcarva Live Copepods

Product Overview

Oithona colcarva are tiny, free-swimming cyclopoid copepods that specialize in feeding finicky fish and corals requiring the smallest live prey. These micro-zooplankton occupy a unique ecological niche, providing nutrition for juvenile fish, coral polyps, and filter feeders that cannot consume larger copepod species. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Smallest Available Species: Tiny adults (0.3-0.6mm) and nauplii perfect for coral feeding
• Ideal Coral Food: Optimal size for SPS polyps, LPS corals, and gorgonians
• Juvenile Fish Nutrition: Essential live food for fish fry and newly hatched specimens
• Continuous Water Column Presence: Cyclopoid swimming keeps them suspended and available
• Filter Feeder Support: Perfect size for clams, feather dusters, and non-photosynthetic corals
• Planktonic Lifestyle: Mimics natural reef zooplankton behavior and availability

Species Highlights

Oithona colcarva represents the smallest copepod species cultured for reef aquariums, filling a critical size gap that other copepods cannot address. These diminutive cyclopoids spend their entire life cycle in the water column, rarely settling on surfaces. They tolerate temperatures from 72-82°F and maintain active populations in well-established reef systems. Their micro-size means they're less visible than other species, but their ecological value is unmatched for coral-dominant aquariums and breeding systems. Oithona are particularly valuable when paired with larger copepod species, creating a complete size range of live zooplankton.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Density: 58-68% crude protein by dry weight despite small size
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich EPA and DHA concentration for coral and fish health
• Optimal Particle Size: Perfect dimensions for coral polyp capture and consumption
• Essential Amino Acids: Complete nutritional profile in easily digestible form
• Natural Marine Lipids: Critical for coral tissue development and growth
• Probiotic Benefits: Live gut flora supports beneficial bacteria in reef systems

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 display tank or refugium during feeding time. Their planktonic nature means they'll distribute throughout the water column naturally.

Timing: Add to well-established tanks (4+ months old) with mature microbial communities and stable parameters. Regular phytoplankton supplementation helps sustain populations.

Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for coral-focused tanks. Bi-weekly additions recommended for systems with heavy coral loads or breeding programs.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. Small size means you'll see them as tiny moving specks in the water.

Short-Term Storage (up to 48 hours): Keep at room temperature (72-78°F) away from direct sunlight. Gentle aeration strongly recommended for holds over 24 hours.

Adding to Tank: Best added same day as arrival for maximum viability. Can be held up to 2 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 Oithona colcarva 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.