Parvocalanus crassirostris Live Copepods

Product Overview

Parvocalanus crassirostris are small, highly productive calanoid copepods that excel in reef aquariums as both live fish food and coral nutrition. These planktonic copepods bridge the size gap between tiny Oithona and larger Acartia species, providing versatile live prey for a wide range of reef inhabitants. Our cultures ship with live phytoplankton to ensure they arrive actively feeding and ready to establish in your tank.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Versatile Size Range: Adults (0.6-1.0mm) suitable for both small fish and coral feeding
• Rapid Reproduction: Fast generation time produces abundant populations quickly
• Planktonic Lifestyle: Calanoid swimming behavior keeps them suspended and available
• Excellent for Coral: Ideal size for SPS, LPS, and soft coral polyp capture
• Small Fish Specialist: Perfect for gobies, juvenile fish, and seahorse fry
• Multi-Purpose Nutrition: Serves both fish and coral feeding needs simultaneously

Species Highlights

Parvocalanus crassirostris represents an optimal middle-ground copepod species for reef aquariums, combining the planktonic advantages of calanoids with a size range that benefits diverse reef organisms. These copepods tolerate temperatures from 70-80°F and adapt well to standard reef parameters. Their smooth, gliding swimming motion attracts planktivorous fish while remaining small enough for coral consumption. Parvocalanus are particularly valuable for mixed reef systems where both fish nutrition and coral feeding are priorities. Their rapid reproduction rate allows for sustainable populations with regular phytoplankton supplementation.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Content: 54-64% crude protein by dry weight
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA levels for fish and coral health
• Balanced Lipid Profile: Optimal fatty acid ratios for growth and coloration
• Complete Amino Acids: All essential amino acids in digestible form
• Natural Carotenoids: Supports pigmentation and immune function
• Optimal Prey Size: Perfect dimensions for maximum consumption efficiency

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 evening hours. Their planktonic nature distributes them throughout the water column naturally.

Timing: Add to established tanks (3+ months old) with stable parameters and regular phytoplankton feeding. Best results in systems with moderate flow.

Population Boost: Start with 1-2 bottles per 50 gallons for mixed reef tanks. Bi-weekly additions help maintain consistent populations alongside other copepod species.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Unpack immediately and inspect for active copepods. You should observe graceful swimming motion typical of calanoid copepods.

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 viability. 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 Parvocalanus crassirostris 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.