Aquarium Applications
The Tangerine Pod is an excellent species for directly feeding to hungry fish and seahorses to observe a feeding frenzy. The nauplii of Tangerines are excellent food for filter feeding invertebrates and for juvenile seahorses and for larger sized or staged fish larvae and invertebrate nauplii. Juvenile and adult Tangerines are an excellent replacement for less nutritious brine shrimp.
Culture tips
The Tangerine Pod is an omnivore and will consume microalgae and zooplankton alike. It is recommended that adult densities be maintained at less than 0.25/mL. Tangerines can be cultured in containers as small as one gallon; however, 5 gallons is a recommended minimum. When feeding microalgae, such as Phycopure™ CopePod Blend™ it is recommended to maintain a good background of food continuously. Amounts can be adjusted daily based on the apparent amount remaining in the culture. Clarity of the water is a useful indication of food consumption. Ideal conditions are 22-25C, 15-25ppt and light to medium aeration.
Acclimation upon receipt
Tangerine copepods tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities but it is recommended that water-parameter acclimation at a rate of 6ppt salinity per day or 5C per day be performed if aquarium salinities or temperatures differ by 10ppt or 10C. It is important to feed Tangerines during the acclimation period. Healthy Tangerines can be added directly to the main aquarium or the fish or invertebrate culture tank if the intent is only to feed the Tangerines as a one-time food.
