Ocean Prime Copepods


Copepods are a type of tiny crustacean zooplankton that is considered as the world’s largest bio-resource. Most aquatic species are dependent of copepods during parts of or their whole life cycle. They are eaten by fishes, larval fishes, corals, jellyfish, shrimps, filter feeders and many more.


Ocean Prime Copepods have a nutritional profile that meets the requirements of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates and corals. The typical lipid content is 10-15%, and a protein content of about 50% of dry weight. The lipids are rich in essential fatty acids as DHA and EPA bound to phospholipids and also contain high levels of pigments like astaxanthin.


Ocean Prime Copepods are harvested in clean, unpolluted Arctic waters, with eco-friendly harvesting methods. The preservation technique involves no harmful additives which makes the nutritional quality far better compared to frozen feed. Ocean Prime Copepods are 100% clean. Needs no pre-rinsing before use. The product is sterilized for bio-security and sealed, minimizing nutrient leakage. No added preservatives.


Suitable for saltwater and freshwater fish, corals, invertebrates and crustaceans. When used as a supplement feed, Ocean Prime will play a vital role in the coloration, growth and survivability.  Through its buoyancy, Ocean Prime has an excellent capture rate by reef invertebrates like corals and crustaceans, and fish also eagerly accept this unique food.  Ocean Prime can be used as a complete artemia / brine shrimp replacement.  By feeding your fish with a diet comprising up to 25% Ocean Prime they will reward you with increased immune-resistance, and enhanced sexual maturity.


Ocean Prime is available in 500-700 microns and 2mm size copepods. Each pouch contains 50 grams of whole / intact copepods.

After opening:


As long as the aluminum pouch  is closed, you can store the copepods at room temperature for up to 3 years. Once opened, you must treat the contents as a fresh product. Only use clean tools  (e.g. a spoon) and try to avoid cross-contamination. Close the pouch with a rubber band or bag clamp to keep bacteria and oxygen out and place the pouch in the refrigerator. Use the copepods within 1-3 weeks.


For smaller tanks or to avoid fishy smells in the refrigerator, it is better to store the copepods in the freezer. Empty the pouch make a bar or portions of the copepods and put it in the freezer. Use the copepods within 3 months.

Feed only as much as your aquarium will consume in 3-5min.





Here you see the 500-700 microns copepods under the microscope at 40x enlarged. As you can see most copepods are whole / intact. Because the copepods are intact, even the most fussy feeders will react on the Ocean Prime Copepods as they recognize what they are eating.





Technical analysis:

Content:

100% whole planktonic species

Size of species:

2 mm and 500 – 700 µm

Species:

Copepods (Calanus, Temora, Pseudocalanus, Paracalanus, Acartia, Centropages and Oithona)

Shelf life:

The product is sterile and contains no bacteria. The shelf life of an unopened package is 3 years at room temperature, but can have a good quality beyond this date (best before date is printed on the package). An open package needs to be refrigerated and can be kept refrigerated for several days. It can also be frozen and kept frozen for up to 3 months.

 

 

Average nutritional content of preserved plankton

Content

Amount

Water

85%

Lipid

12 % of dry weight

Protein

51 % of dry weight

Carbohydrate

27 % of dry weight

Ash

10 % of dry weight

Omega-3 fatty acids

30 mg/g dry weight

Astaxantin

20 µg/g dry weight


Frequently asked question:

What are Ocean Prime Copepods ?

Ocean Prime Copepods are different species wild caught copepods from the arctic waters. They come in 50gr pouches and have a shelf life of up to 3 years. No added preservatives.


Are the copepods in Ocean Prime alive ?

No, Ocean Prime Copepods are not alive.

 

Are the copepods in Ocean Prime (freeze) dried ?

No, Ocean Prime Copepods are fresh as you find them in the ocean.

 

Are the copepods in Ocean Prime in a liquid or gas ?

No, there is no liquid or gas added. The liquid inside is all natural.


There are no preservatives added, how can it be, that they have a shelf life of up to 3 years ?

The preservation is in the way of treating the packaging after filling and sealing and  used packaging material.