Reef Copepods (Tigriopus californicus)
Invertebrate in the family Harpacticidae. Easy care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Diet and feeding
Filter feeders consuming phytoplankton, detritus, and organic matter in the water column. They require established biofilms and minimal supplemental feeding in mature tanks.
Origin and habitat
Pacific coast of North America, particularly California tide pools and rocky intertidal zones.
Keeper notes
• Minimum 5 gallon tank for copepod cultures; nuisance populations establish naturally in established systems • Maintain temperature range 60–75°F with stable salinity 1.020–1.025 SG • Thrive in areas with detritus, macroalgae, and organic matter; no special feeding required in reef systems • Excellent natural food source for small fish, seahorses, and filter-feeding corals • Avoid strong water flow; they prefer calmer zones near substrate and rockwork
Log Reef Copepods in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Reef Copepods alongside everything else in your reef.
