Rhodomonas lens - Premium Cryptophyte Alternative

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Chromista | Phylum: Cryptophyta | Class: Cryptophyceae | Order: Pyrenomonadales | Family: Pyrenomonadaceae | Genus: Rhodomonas | Species: R. lens

Rhodomonas lens Species Information

Rhodomonas lens represents a closely related cryptophyte species to R. salina, measuring 5-8 micrometers in length. This lens-shaped, red-pigmented biflagellate displays similar nutritional characteristics to R. salina but exhibits slightly different culture requirements and growth characteristics.

Biochemical Profile

Protein Content: 40-50% dry weight Lipid Content: 15-22% dry weight EPA: 18-28% of total fatty acids DHA: 3-8% of total fatty acids Phycoerythrin: High concentrations Essential Amino Acids: Complete profile

Aquaculture Applications

Rotifer Culture: Brachionus plicatilis and B. rotundiformis achieve excellent growth rates and superior nutritional quality on Rhodomonas lens diets. The cryptophyte's balanced nutrition produces rotifers with optimal fatty acid profiles for fish larviculture.

Copepod Production: Calanoid copepods (Acartia, Pseudodiaptomus) and cyclopoid copepods (Oithona) thrive on Rhodomonas lens. Provides complete nutrition supporting multiple generations without supplementation.

Bivalve Shellfish Hatcheries: Oyster, clam, and mussel larvae demonstrate strong growth responses. The soft cell walls maximize digestive efficiency in larval bivalves.

Cultivation Requirements

Optimal Growth Conditions:

• Salinity: 18-32 ppt, optimal 22-28 ppt
• Temperature: 16-24°C, optimal 18-20°C (61-75°F)
• pH: 7.6-8.4, optimal 7.8-8.0
• Light: 75-150 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹
• CO2 Addition: Beneficial but not required
• Growth Rate: Doubling time 30-50 hours

Culture Medium: Responds well to standard marine media with moderate nutrients. F/2 at half strength often produces optimal results, avoiding culture crashes from over-fertilization.

Reef System Benefits

Enhanced Microfauna: Regular additions support diverse microfauna including copepods, amphipods, mysids, and ostracods. These organisms contribute to natural biological filtration and provide continuous live food.

Coral Supplementation: While less researched than other species for coral feeding, provides valuable nutrition particularly during stress recovery or post-fragmentation healing.