Copepod eggs Acartia tonsa - Batch September 2025

Acartia tonsa. The superfood for difficult larval rearing.

Copepods, also called copepod crustaceans, are an indispensable part of the aquatic food chain and are especially suitable for the rearing of demanding fish species such as Gramma loreto, seahorses, tuna, grouper, and yellowtail kingfish. Many marine fish larvae naturally depend on copepods as their first food source. The special nutrient composition of Acartia tonsa – including a high content of polar omega-3 fatty acids, valuable vitamins, and natural carotenoids like astaxanthin – makes them the ideal choice for professional breeding of fish and shrimp larvae.

Compared to conventional live food types such as Brachionus (rotifers), Artemia nauplii, and Daphnia, copepods offer significant advantages: They support higher survival rates and healthy growth of larvae without causing growth deformities. Thanks to the optimal ratio of DHA, EPA, and ARA unsaturated fatty acids, copepods do not require additional enrichment and provide immediate, high-quality nutrition for larvae and corals.

Copepod eggs. The new way to breed copepods.

At algova, we love simple and good solutions – and we are proud of that! Now we offer copepods of the species Acartia tonsa for the first time as eggs. With these, you can breed fresh, small, and extremely nutrient-rich nauplii exactly when your larval rearing needs them.

During hatching, nauplii with a size of 70-110µm are produced, which can serve as a substitute or supplement to rotifers. With the alga Isochrysis (live culture, not powder), the nauplii can be further fed and grown into larger copepods – a perfect alternative and supplement to Artemia nauplii.

Breeding copepods. Now with algova hatch guarantee.

Copepod eggs are extremely sensitive, which is why the hatch rate decreases during storage. Thanks to our innovative process, however, we have extended the shelf life of the eggs to 8 months. Additionally, we provide a fresh batch every three months. With every order, you receive a detailed, illustrated step-by-step guide to achieve the best possible hatching result.

Your copepod eggs will be delivered directly to your home as cooled express shipping. Shipping takes place Europe-wide from Monday to Wednesday. Please remove the goods from the package immediately after delivery and store them in the refrigerator at 2–5 °C.

If hatching should unexpectedly fail, we offer you a replacement or refund the purchase price.

Features

• Live food in premium quality: Ideal for professional breeding of fish and shrimp larvae as well as for demanding ornamental fish and corals.
  
• Supplement to Artemia and Brachionus: Offers higher survival rates and optimal growth.
  
• 40,000 eggs are enough for 1L culture
• When stored in the refrigerator (at 1-4 °C) at least 9 months shelf life. Hatch rate decreases by about 3% per week. 
• Hatch rate 90-100% depending on user and age of eggs. 1 ml is enough for 1L culture 

Larvae of freshwater and saltwater fish, ornamental fish (surgeonfish, discus, clownfish...)
Larvae of crabs and shrimps, ornamental shrimps
Mussels
Corals and anemones

Slip instructions DE/ENG

Copepod eggs of the species Acartia tonsa in buffered seawater solution.

Scope of delivery

Copepod eggs in 25ml (1 million eggs) and 250ml (10 million eggs) bottles, additionally sealed in a flavour protection bag. Incl. illustrated and detailed hatching instructions.

Versand
We ship chilled from Mon-May throughout Europe with UPS Express in refrigerated packaging. Refrigerate immediately upon receipt!