{"product_id":"tigriopus-californicus-reef-copepods","title":"Tigriopus Californicus Reef Copepods","description":"\u003ch1\u003eTigriopus californicus Copepods – “Big Red Copepod”\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003eTigriopus californicus\u003c\/strong\u003e copepods—known to many reef hobbyists as the \u003cem\u003e“Big Red Copepod,” “Tig,”\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003e“Tiger Copepod”\u003c\/em\u003e—are a vibrant, nutrient-dense live food for reef aquariums. These \u003cstrong\u003ebright red \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.podyourreef.com\/collections\/pods\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Pod Your Reef Copepods\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ecopepods\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are loaded with \u003cstrong\u003eastaxanthin\u003c\/strong\u003e—a natural pigment and antioxidant that restores faded fish colors to their vivid, wild brilliance. Their larger size (250–1500 microns) and jerky, stop-and-go swim pattern make the Big Red Copepod irresistible to even the pickiest marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePackage Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harpacticoida\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benthic (bottom-dwelling)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife Stages:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eggs, nauplii, copepodites, and egg-bearing females\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCultured:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% aquacultured in sterile conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose the Big Red Copepod for Your Reef Tank?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich in \u003cstrong\u003ehighly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA)\u003c\/strong\u003e and beneficial n-3 fatty acids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh \u003cstrong\u003eastaxanthin\u003c\/strong\u003e content supports vibrant coloration in marine fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShort gestation period—females can produce up to \u003cstrong\u003e300 offspring\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStimulating swim pattern triggers a strong feeding response\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeds on detritus, helping maintain a clean and balanced aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClownfish and Anthias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeahorses \u0026amp; Pipefish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrasses and Dragonets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePicky or hard-to-feed marine fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the Big Red Copepod Benefits Your Reef\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike smaller copepod species, the \u003cstrong\u003eBig Red Copepod\u003c\/strong\u003e offers exceptional nutrition and visible enrichment. Its larger size makes it easy prey for fish, while constant movement stimulates hunting behavior. This not only boosts fish activity but also ensures they receive a diet rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Whether you call them \u003cem\u003eTigriopus, Tig, Tiger Copepods\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eBig Red\u003c\/em\u003e, they’re a powerhouse food source your reef will thrive on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduce directly into your display tank or refugium. The Big Red Copepod will establish in live rock and substrate, creating a sustainable live food source while helping control detritus. For best results, pair with live phytoplankton to support continuous reproduction and peak nutritional value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoost your reef’s color, health, and biodiversity—add live Big Red Copepods to your tank today.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pod Your Reef","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50408166424862,"sku":"TIG20PYR","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/5421\/3918\/files\/TigsSingleBottle.png?v=1764875150","url":"https:\/\/konapetgear.com\/products\/tigriopus-californicus-reef-copepods","provider":"Konapetgear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}