As many already know, copepods are a crucial food source in any reef system. They are becoming more and more understood and as a result, demand has increased for them. Apocyclops copepods are extremely hearty and forgiving which is why they have become so abundant and sought after in the profession. This species of copepod is especially well-suited for sea horses, mandarin fish, other benthic predators and even filter feeders.
Apocyclops are highly nutritious like their counterparts (Tisbe and Tigriopus) but they reproduce twice as fast and additionally have higher levels of omega-3’s as well as higher levels of pigment astaxanthin which enhances colors of fish, coral and other inhabitants of your reef system. These copepods will feed on various sources during their lifecycles from Nauplii to Adult hood as they tend to go from planktonic while young to benthic (live on substrate) until they reach adult hood. They are omnivorous by nature but will feed on diatoms and cyano bacteria as well.