Methods of Harvesting Copepods

Overview

Copepods are tiny crustaceans that frequent both fresh and salt water. They are a food source for various living creatures. When gathered and rinsed, they are often fed to aquarium fish and their fry. Corals, clams and invertebrates also feed on copepods. They can be purchased from pet stores, private hobbyists or harvested by yourself. Breeding and harvesting your own copepods is cost efficient when massive quantities are required.

Step 1

Clean the net well in dechlorinated water. Mix the container holding the copepods with a clean spoon to distribute them evenly.

Step 2

Place the net over a clean bowl or other suitable container. Pour the copepods and water through the brine shrimp net. When enough copepods are in the net, stop pouring. Add the water back to the copepod container or discard it and add new water.

Step 3

Rinse the net's contents in dechlorinated water. Swish the net vigorously to remove any contaminants. Add the copepods directly to a fish tank or freeze them in bags with aquarium water for later use.