Rhodomonas salina - Premium Cryptophyte Phytoplankton

Scientific Classification

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

Rhodomonas salina Complete Profile

Rhodomonas salina represents a premium cryptomonad phytoplankton species measuring 6-10 micrometers in length. This red-pigmented, biflagellate marine microalgae features distinctive asymmetric cell morphology and cryptophyte-characteristic pigmentation. Rhodomonas has gained recognition as one of the most nutritionally superior phytoplankton species for marine aquaculture applications.

Exceptional Nutritional Composition

Protein Content: 45-55% dry weight - HIGHEST among common marine phytoplankton

Lipid Content: 12-20% dry weight with balanced omega-3 profile:

• EPA Content: 15-25% of total fatty acids
• DHA Content: 5-10% of total fatty acids
• UNIQUE: Provides BOTH EPA and DHA in significant concentrations
• Phycoerythrin: High concentrations of this red pigment

Digestibility: Excellent due to soft cell walls without cellulose, maximizing nutrient absorption by consuming organisms.

Why Rhodomonas Excels

Superior Protein Quality: The 45-55% protein content exceeds virtually all commonly cultured marine phytoplankton, with exceptional essential amino acid profiles. This high-quality protein supports rapid growth in copepods, rotifers, and bivalve larvae.

Balanced Fatty Acid Profile: The combination of both EPA and DHA in significant concentrations makes Rhodomonas unique. Most phytoplankton produce primarily EPA OR primarily DHA, but Rhodomonas provides both essential omega-3 fatty acids in a single species.

High Digestibility: Unlike diatoms with silica frustules or green algae with cellulose walls, Rhodomonas features soft, easily digestible cell walls maximizing nutrient absorption and feed conversion ratios.

Marine Copepod Production

Optimal Copepod Nutrition: Marine copepods (Acartia tonsa, Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus, Parvocalanus crassirostris, Oithona colcarva) achieve maximum population growth rates when fed Rhodomonas. The balanced nutrition supports high fecundity, rapid nauplii development, and superior adult survival.

Copepod Fatty Acid Enrichment: Copepods cultured on Rhodomonas accumulate both EPA and DHA in tissues, making them exceptionally nutritious live food for marine fish. This dual omega-3 enrichment provides more complete nutrition than copepods fed single-omega-3 species.

Enhanced Egg Production: Female copepods fed Rhodomonas produce more eggs per clutch and demonstrate shorter inter-clutch intervals compared to females fed nutritionally inferior diets. Studies show 25-45% increases in copepod reproductive output.

Culture Methodology

Optimal Cultivation Parameters:

• Salinity: 20-35 ppt, optimal 25-30 ppt
• Temperature: 15-25°C, optimal 18-22°C (59-77°F)
• pH: 7.5-8.5, optimal 7.8-8.2
• Light: 80-150 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹
• Photoperiod: 12:12 or 16:8 light:dark cycles
• Growth Rate: Doubling time 24-48 hours

Culture Challenges: Rhodomonas grows more slowly than many competing species, requiring careful culture management to prevent contamination. Prefers cooler temperatures than tropical species, making temperature control important in warmer climates.

Reef Aquarium Applications

Small Polyp Coral Nutrition: Acropora and Montipora benefit significantly from Rhodomonas supplementation. The red pigmentation may contribute to coral color development, though this remains under research.

Filter-Feeding Invertebrates: Feather duster worms, tube worms, tunicates, sponges, and non-photosynthetic gorgonians thrive when fed Rhodomonas regularly. The high protein content supports tissue regeneration and growth.

Copepod Population Maintenance: Regular additions maintain healthy copepod populations providing continuous live food for reef fish, particularly copepod-specialists.

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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.