Galaxy Pods - Copepods

The Five Species of Galaxy Pods

​Each copepod in the blend serves a specific purpose to maximize ecosystem health:

• ​Tigriopus californicus: A relatively large, nutrient-rich copepod that inhabits the water column and is excellent for feeding picky fish. They are also known for consuming detritus and nuisance algae.

• ​Tisbe biminiensis: Small harpacticoid copepods that live in the cracks and crevices of live rock and substrate. They act as an essential part of the clean-up crew, devouring tiny bits of detritus and invasive algae.

• ​Apocyclops panamensis: A medium-sized, highly nutritious cyclopoid copepod that reproduces rapidly (laying eggs every 4–6 days). They spend significant time in the water column, making them a consistent food source for fish.

• ​Oithona colcarva: A nocturnal, highly adaptable cyclopoid that inhabits the water column. Its nocturnal nature helps protect the population from being decimated by predators.

• ​Euterpina acutifrons: A non-selective herbivore that is mainly planktonic. It is loaded with proteins and amino acids, which are vital for the long-term health and vitality of your corals and fish.

​Benefits for Your Aquarium

• ​Natural Nutrient Export: These copepods consume detritus and film algae, effectively boosting the efficiency of your tank's clean-up crew.

• ​Live Food Source: They provide a natural, nutrient-dense diet for "finicky" zooplanktivores such as mandarins, seahorses, anthias, and various corals.

• ​Improved Biodiversity: Because the pods are 100% viable and reproduce in captive environments, they help establish a more natural, self-sustaining ecosystem in your aquarium.

• ​Easy to Dose: It is recommended to add them to your tank at night after the lights are off, which gives them a better chance to find refuge in your rocks and substrate before becoming prey.

 ​AlgaeBarn often suggests pairing Galaxy Pods with their OceanMagik live phytoplankton blend to provide the essential fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids necessary to maintain a robust and thriving copepod population.