Copepods are one of the simplest "reef tank upgrades" you can make. They feed finicky fish (like mandarins), support coral feeding through natural plankton activity, and help your tank run more like a real ecosystem. The key is choosing the right species for your setup.
Quick answer: the best copepods for most reef tanks
- Tisbe (best all-around): great for refugiums and mandarins; tends to stay on rocks/glass.
- Apocyclops (best water-column pod): more time swimming, so it's easier for corals and planktivores to catch.
- Tigriopus (best "treat pod"): very nutritious, but often gets hunted down quickly in displays.
Species comparison chart
| Species | Where it lives most | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tisbe | Rock, sand, glass (benthic) | Mandarins, refugiums, long-term populations | Usually the easiest "set and sustain" pod. |
| Apocyclops | Water column + surfaces | Corals, planktivores, broadcast feeding | Great when you want pods visible in the water. |
| Tigriopus | Water column (active swimmer) | High-nutrition snack, training picky fish | Often needs repeated additions to display tanks. |
How to choose (fast checklist)
- Have a mandarin or scooter blenny? Start with Tisbe and keep a refugium/pod zone.
- Want better coral capture / more "planktonic action"? Add Apocyclops to increase water-column pods.
- Need a high-impact booster food? Add Tigriopus periodically (especially if fish wipe them out fast).
Featured reef pods
AlgaGenPods™ Tisbe — the classic refugium + mandarin pod.
AlgaGenPods™ Apocyclops — hardy pods with more water-column presence.
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