Pavlova lutheri - Premium Prymnesiophyte with Highest EPA+DHA

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Chromista | Phylum: Haptophyta | Class: Pavlovophyceae | Order: Pavlovales | Family: Pavlovaceae | Genus: Pavlova | Species: P. lutheri

Complete Pavlova lutheri Profile

Pavlova lutheri represents an exceptionally valuable marine phytoplankton species measuring 4-6 micrometers in diameter. This golden-green flagellated microalgae belongs to the Haptophyte algae group (formerly Prymnesiophytes), distinguished by the presence of a haptonema organelle in addition to two flagella. Pavlova has established itself as critical in shellfish hatchery operations worldwide.

Biochemical Characteristics

Protein Content: 35-45% dry weight Lipid Content: 25-35% dry weight DHA Content: 18-25% of total fatty acids (exceptional) EPA Content: 20-30% of total fatty acids Total Omega-3: 45-55% of total fatty acids - HIGHEST COMBINED EPA+DHA Fucoxanthin: Significant carotenoid content

Why Pavlova is Essential

Highest Combined EPA+DHA Content: Pavlova produces the highest combined concentrations of EPA and DHA among easily cultured marine phytoplankton species. This dual omega-3 richness makes Pavlova the single most nutritionally complete phytoplankton option for marine larviculture operations.

Shellfish Hatchery Gold Standard: Commercial oyster, clam, scallop, and mussel hatcheries worldwide consider Pavlova their primary phytoplankton species. The nutritional profile produces faster-growing bivalve larvae with higher survival rates and superior settlement success compared to alternative phytoplankton diets.

Copepod Super-Enrichment: Marine copepods fed Pavlova accumulate the highest tissue concentrations of both EPA and DHA achievable with single-species phytoplankton diets. These super-enriched copepods provide optimal nutrition for marine fish larvae in breeding programs.

Pavlova in Reef Aquarium Copepod Culture

Maximum Copepod Nutritional Quality: Reef aquarium hobbyists producing copepods for fish nutrition achieve highest nutritional quality using Pavlova as primary phytoplankton diet. The resulting copepods contain exceptional omega-3 levels transferring to fish through the food chain.

Enhanced Mandarin Dragonet Nutrition: Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus), scooter blennies (S. ocellatus), and other copepod-specialized reef fish benefit tremendously from consuming Pavlova-enriched copepods.

Improved Breeding Success: Reef aquarium fish breeding programs for clownfish, dottybacks, gobies, and blennies show improved larval survival rates when larvae receive Pavlova-enriched rotifers and copepods.

Cultivation Methods

Optimal Growth Conditions:

• Salinity: 28-35 ppt, optimal 32-35 ppt
• Temperature: 18-28°C, optimal 22-25°C (64-82°F)
• pH: 7.8-8.8, optimal 8.0-8.5
• Light: 100-200 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹
• Photoperiod: 24:0 or 16:8 light:dark
• CO2 Enrichment: Beneficial for optimal growth
• Growth Rate: Doubling time 24-36 hours

Culture Medium: Responds well to enriched seawater media including F/2, L1 medium, and commercial marine aquaculture fertilizers. Requires good water quality with minimal bacterial contamination for optimal performance.

Direct Reef Applications

Premium Coral Nutrition: SPS corals including Acropora, Montipora, Pocillopora, and Seriatopora benefit significantly from Pavlova supplementation. The exceptional DHA content supports tissue regeneration, wound healing from fragmentation, and stress recovery.

LPS Coral Feeding: Large polyp stony corals (Euphyllia, Trachyphyllia, Cynarina, Scolymia) readily consume Pavlova cells, benefiting from high-quality nutrition for polyp extension and tissue development.

Non-Photosynthetic Gorgonians: Sun corals (Tubastraea), dendronephthya soft corals, and other non-photosynthetic species thrive when fed Pavlova regularly, supporting their high metabolic demands without zooxanthellae assistance.