Which Copepod Type do I need for my Tank?
As we have added many new species of Copepods to our website, you may be wondering which type of copepod is best for your fish species and tank…
There are many types of copepods here are the three main groups. These groups are as follows:
Harpacticoida
Compared to the other groups, harpacticoid copepods have an elongate body shape. Though these pods are pelagic during their nauplii stages, harpacticoid copepods then settle onto the substrate and assume a benthic lifestyle as adults. They are heavily detritivorous, but will happily eat any microalgal films they may find.
Calanoida
This copepod has a barrel-shaped body and is herbivorous also calanoida are the most abundant copepod group in the marine environment. Most calanoida live an entirely planktonic existence. Of the three major copepod groups, calanoida have the largest body size. Our calanoida species live a pelagic life; internationally they are used as a high-quality feed for larval and juvenile fish. They also swim with a jerky movement that is very attractive to young fishes.
Cyclopoida
This copepod has a pear-shaped body that ends in a rugged forked tail, cyclopoid copepods are distinguished by their very large and well-developed first antennae. Cyclopoids are true omnivores, consuming anything from fine particulate organic matter to bacterial plankton from the water column.
Here is a table we have created with a list of common marine fish species under each type of copepod:
| Harpacticoid | Calanoid | Cyclopoid |
| Green Mandarin | Pipefish | Angelfish |
| Spotted Mandarin | Dwarf Seahorses | Butterfly Fish |
| Dragonets | Juvenile Seahorses | Anthias Chromis |
| Scooter Blennies | Anthias Chromis | Black Coral |
| Dotty backs | Firefish | Chili Coral |
| Wrasses Gobies | Angelfish | Carnation Coral |
| Chili Coral | Butterfly Fish | Lace Coral |
| LPS Corals | Gorgonians Sun Corals | Porcelain Crabs |
| Ornamental Shrimp | LPS Corals | Jellyfish |
| Porcelain Crabs | Chili Coral | |
| Anemone | Carnation Coral | |
| Crabs | Lace Coral | |
| Jellyfish | Black Coral | |
| Octopus | Porcelain Crabs | |
| Basket Stars | Anemone | |
| Feather Stars | Jellyfish | |
| Basket Stars | ||
| Feather Stars |
Don’t see your fish species?
If you don’t see your fish species here and would like to know which type of copepod is BEST for your fish, feel free to send us an email or message and ask.
You can also view the Youtube video we published on this topic here!
More About Aquatic Live Food…
Above all, our mission is to supply Australian aquariums with sustainable land farmed premium aquaria. This aims to stop the destruction of coral reefs for the wild-caught aquaria*.
Therefore, we are now able to provide high-quality production of popular live foods.
Aquarists of all skill levels can now have a real chance at breeding their own favourite Pipefish, Cowfish, Mandarin fish, Shrimp and more.
Finally, these are only one of the many products we are proud to offer at Aquatic Live Food. Check out our website for many more exciting products in store!
Share:
More Posts
