Apocyclops panamensis Reef Copepods
Apocyclops panamensis Reef Copepods
Apocyclops panamensis Copepods – “Apo Pods”
The Apocyclops panamensis, known to reef hobbyists as “Apo Pods”, is one of the most versatile copepods you can add to a saltwater aquarium. Apo Pods combine the best traits of our Tisbe biminiensis (“Tisbe Pods”) and Tigriopus californicus (“Big Red Copepods” or “Tig Pods”), giving your reef tank a diverse feeding solution that supports both fish and corals.
Dual Feeding Behavior
- Like Tisbe Pods: Hide in rockwork and substrate, perfect for active hunting fish like mandarins and scooter blennies.
- Like Big Red Copepods: Swim into the water column, making them accessible to a wider variety of fish and corals.
This combination of benthic hiding and free-swimming behavior makes the Apo Pod an excellent all-around “utility” copepod for boosting biodiversity and providing continuous live nutrition in your reef tank.
Package Details
- Reproduction Rate: Fast
- Size: 8 oz
- Order: Cyclopoida
- Genus: Apocyclops
- Life Stages Included: Nauplii to adults
- Cultured: 100% aquacultured in sterile conditions
Nutritional Advantages
- Rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) and beneficial n-3 fatty acids
- Consume uneaten food and algae, recycling nutrients into a natural food source
- Contribute to healthy fish coloration, immune function, and growth
Reef Tank Benefits
- High fertility and short gestation period for rapid population growth
- Resilient to parameter swings
- Consume detritus and help maintain water quality
Perfect For
- Mandarins, scooter blennies, and other active hunters
- Corals that capture plankton from the water column
- Seeding refugiums or new reef tanks
- Increasing biodiversity for long-term reef stability
Why Apo Pods Stand Out
Apo Pods are medium-sized copepods—easier to spot than our smaller Tisbe Pods but not as large as our Big Red Tig Copepods. This balance in size means they can reproduce quickly while still being readily consumed by a wide range of tank inhabitants. By thriving both in rock crevices and free-swimming in open water, they offer unmatched feeding opportunities for your reef.
Boost your reef’s biodiversity and feeding variety—add live Apocyclops panamensis “Apo Pods” to your aquarium today.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Seahorse will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Seahorse thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Seahorse coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Seahorses are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
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