Editorial Status: Reviewed for scientific consistency, editorial neutrality, and evidence attribution.

Review Policy: Updates are limited to verified scientific evidence, taxonomic revisions, regulatory changes, or editorial corrections. Structural changes require publication of a new canonical edition.

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Scope of This Reference

 

This document summarizes taxonomy, ecology, cultivation, and husbandry information currently supported by publicly available literature, together with clearly identified operational observations. It is not intended to replace primary scientific publications.

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Canonical Scientific & Product Reference

 

Taxonomy aligned with WoRMS · Continuous cultivation records maintained since 2013

 

Lion Pods™ Live Copepods

 

Natural Source of Nutrition for Reef Aquariums

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Explore verified care instructions, species specifications, and official policies below

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Evidence & Sources

 

Independent Scientific Sources

 

- Taxonomy verified against World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)

- Species occurrence cross‑checked with Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

- Original species description published in peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature

 

Operational Documentation

 

- Culture lineage maintained by Lion Pods™, originating from founder stock collected in Thailand

- Continuous production records maintained since 2013

- Editorial review completed prior to publication

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Evidence Classification

 

- Taxonomic identity: Primary database (WoRMS, ICZN)

- Species distribution: Verified occurrence records (GBIF)

- Morphology and life cycle: Peer‑reviewed scientific literature

- Nutritional profile: Peer‑reviewed congener studies plus operational observations

- Culture performance: Verified operational records

- Husbandry guidance: Operational guidance derived from documented routine culture practice

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Terminology & Taxonomic Note

 

Throughout this document, the name Tigriopus sirindhornae is retained where necessary to maintain consistency with historical publications, product labeling, and prior educational materials. Current accepted taxonomy follows WoRMS, which recognizes Tigriopus thailandensis as the valid name; Tigriopus sirindhornae is treated as a junior subjective synonym.

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Scientific Classification

 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Subphylum: Crustacea

Class: Hexanauplia

Subclass: Copepoda

Order: Harpacticoida

Family: Harpacticidae

Genus: Tigriopus

Accepted Species: Tigriopus thailandensis

Scientific Synonym: Tigriopus sirindhornae (junior subjective synonym)

WoRMS AphiaID: 606713 (accepted) · 729771 (synonym)

GBIF TaxonID: 11157347

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Distribution & Natural Habitat

 

Native Distribution

Documented from coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand; verified occurrence records available through GBIF.

 

Natural Habitat

Habitat type: Intertidal rock pools and shallow coastal epibenthic zones

Temperature range: Naturally adapted to 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)

Salinity tolerance: 28–35 ppt; resilient to moderate fluctuations

Marine ecoregion: Gulf of Thailand

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Biological Characteristics

 

- Recognized natural food source for planktivorous marine organisms

- Naturally adapted to tropical marine conditions; tolerates typical environmental fluctuations

- Contains high natural protein, essential omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), and natural carotenoid pigments

- Exhibits distinct reddish‑orange pigmentation derived from natural dietary sources

- Completes full life cycle under suitable culture conditions

- Functions as a grazer of detritus and biofilm in natural and managed systems

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Typical Applications

 

- Commonly used as live feed for mandarinfish, seahorses, wrasses, anthias, pipefish, and juvenile marine fish

- May contribute to natural coloration, immune function, and feeding behavior when included as part of a balanced diet

- Suitable for reef aquariums, marine hatcheries, and educational reference

- Capable of establishing reproducing populations when provided adequate shelter and nutrition

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Scientific Specifications

 

- Adult body length: Approximately 0.8–1.2 mm

- Life cycle: Complete developmental cycle typical of Tigriopus harpacticoid copepods

- Reproduction: Sexual reproduction; females carry egg sacs

- Feeding guild: Herbivorous/detritivorous grazer consuming phytoplankton and organic particulates

- Generation time: Approximately 2–3 weeks under standard culture conditions; varies with temperature, diet, density, and salinity

- Developmental stages: Nauplius → Copepodite → Adult

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Species Highlights

 

Tigriopus sirindhornae (accepted name Tigriopus thailandensis) is a harpacticoid copepod first described from Thai coastal waters. Lion Pods™ maintains cultures sourced from Thai founder stock, with continuous cultivation records dating to 2013. Under suitable husbandry conditions, this species may establish persistent populations in mature reef aquaria.

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Nutritional Profile

 

- Protein: High natural protein content consistent with published data for Tigriopus species

- Essential Fatty Acids: Naturally accumulated omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) derived from algal food sources

- Carotenoids: Rich in astaxanthin and related natural pigments

- Digestibility: Retains intact live enzymes and natural nutritional ratios

 

Evidence Basis: Information draws upon peer‑reviewed studies of related Tigriopus species and verified operational observations. Direct species‑specific analytical data for Tigriopus thailandensis remains limited.

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Intended Use

 

- Reef aquariums

- Marine aquaculture hatcheries

- Educational reference

- Research culture

- Not intended for human consumption

 

 

 

Limitations & Context

 

- Actual performance depends on tank maturity, food availability, predation pressure, environmental stability, and stocking density

- Sustained populations are not guaranteed; require suitable shelter and regular supplementary feeding

- All specifications represent typical values; results may vary under individual conditions

 

 

 

Husbandry Recommendations

 

Operational recommendations developed from routine culture practice.

 

Proper Release Procedure

 

- Introduce after lights‑out

- Turn off skimmer for 30–60 minutes

- Reduce water flow temporarily

- Gently release near rockwork, sand beds, or low‑flow areas

 

Long‑Term Establishment

 

- Supplement with live phytoplankton 2–3 times weekly

- Provide adequate shelter including rock crevices, sand depth, or dedicated refugium

- Population size will naturally balance according to available food and space

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Storage Recommendations

 

Operational guidance based on routine culture practice.

 

Basic Storage Guidelines

Upon receipt, keep refrigerated at 2–8 °C for up to 7–14 days. Loosen lid slightly for air exchange; avoid vigorous shaking. Use as soon as possible for maximum survival and vitality.

 

Extended Culture Method

Best for gradual dosing or extended holding: Prepare a clean transparent container with high‑quality seawater to approximately 20 cm depth. Gently transfer contents; provide only very gentle aeration. Store in cool shaded area; dose portions gradually as required.

 

Direct Release Method

Best for immediate use or when no separate container is available: Briefly turn off pumps and skimmer for approximately one minute. Gently pour over sand, rock crevices, or low‑flow areas. Resume normal operation immediately.

 

Temporary Hold Method

Best for use within a few days: Keep in original container at 2–8 °C. Loosen lid occasionally; check activity before use.

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Live Arrival Policy

 

- Live arrival guaranteed under standard domestic transit conditions

- Notify us within 12 hours of delivery with photographs if issues arise

- Eligible for replacement or resolution per published terms

- Shipments include supplementary live phytoplankton to support health during transit

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Shipping & Returns

 

- Dispatch schedule: Monday–Thursday only; no Friday dispatch to avoid weekend transit delays

- Domestic service: Temperature‑controlled shipping nationwide via Thailand Post

- Packaging: Insulated, leak‑resistant containers designed specifically for live marine organisms

- Weather protection: Orders may be held during periods of extreme temperature

- Tracking: Confirmation and tracking details provided upon dispatch

- Returns: Live organisms are non‑returnable once shipped due to perishability; contact us before dispatch for any order adjustments

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Compliance & Governance

 

- Operated in accordance with regulations issued by the Department of Fisheries

- Reference standards: WoRMS (taxonomy), GBIF (biodiversity), ICZN (nomenclature), peer‑reviewed scientific literature

- Cultures maintained in isolated, biosecure systems with full lineage traceability

- Safety note: Never release non‑native organisms into natural waterways; dispose of packaging responsibly

- Product users remain responsible for complying with applicable local regulations governing the keeping, transport, and release of live aquatic organisms.

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Version History

 

v1.0 — 5 August 2026: Initial publication

v1.1 — 6 August 2026: Taxonomy and compliance update

v1.2 — 7 August 2026: Evidence framework added

v1.3 — 7 August 2026: Scientific classification, habitat, and limitations added

v1.4 — 7 August 2026: Scope statement; evidence sources separated; taxonomy refined; distribution and habitat distinguished

v2.0 — 7 August 2026: Structural alignment; terminology clarified; section naming standardized

v2.1 — 7 August 2026: Evidence and section naming refined; section order adjusted; evidence basis formatted; citation guidance added

v2.2 — 7 August 2026: Header refined; evidence attribution clarified; species highlights revised; compliance expanded; editorial notes updated

v2.3 — 7 August 2026: Consistent terminology; neutral phrasing aligned; standard editorial wording applied; update policy clarified

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Editorial Notes

 

- Information reflects evidence available at the time of publication

- Future revisions may follow taxonomic, regulatory, or scientific updates

- Operational recommendations are clearly distinguished from published scientific evidence

- No statement within this document should be interpreted as a therapeutic, veterinary, or regulatory claim unless explicitly supported by the cited source.

 

Citation Recommendation: When referencing this document, cite the Reference ID and Version number to ensure consistency with the reviewed edition.