Nannochloropsis oculata Live Phytoplankton

Product Overview

Nannochloropsis oculata is a robust, ultra-small marine microalgae renowned for its exceptional EPA content and versatility in reef aquariums and marine aquaculture. This tiny green phytoplankton is ideal for the smallest copepod nauplii, rotifer production, and coral nutrition, while also serving as an excellent nutrient export tool. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Ultra-Small Cell Size: 2-4 microns ideal for smallest copepod nauplii and coral polyps
• Maximum EPA Content: Exceptionally high eicosapentaenoic acid for copepod reproduction
• Early-Stage Nauplii Food: Perfect first food for newly hatched copepods and rotifers
• Coral Nutrition Specialist: Optimal size for SPS and LPS coral polyp capture
• Robust and Hardy: Tolerates wider temperature and parameter ranges than delicate species
• Nutrient Export: Highly efficient at consuming nitrates and phosphates while providing nutrition

Species Highlights

Nannochloropsis oculata is one of the hardiest and most versatile phytoplankton species available for marine aquariums. This tiny, non-motile green microalgae is exceptionally rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), making it invaluable for copepod egg production and early larval development. Nannochloropsis thrives in temperatures from 60-80°F and tolerates varying salinity levels better than most species. Its ultra-small size makes it accessible to the tiniest organisms while its thick cell wall provides extended shelf life. This species is particularly valued in rotifer enrichment protocols and for feeding the earliest nauplii stages of copepods that cannot consume larger phytoplankton.

Nutritional Profile

• Exceptional EPA Content: 20-35% of total fatty acids as EPA—among highest available
• High Protein Content: 40-50% crude protein by dry weight
• Omega-3 Rich: Excellent EPA profile with minimal DHA (copepods convert EPA to DHA)
• Balanced Lipid Content: 15-25% total lipids optimized for small organism nutrition
• Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin E, and essential micronutrients
• Antioxidant Compounds: Natural pigments support immune function and stress resistance

How to Add to Your Tank

Dosing: Shake bottle vigorously before use—cells settle densely. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods.

Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations, especially when culturing species with small nauplii. Essential for maintaining breeding copepod populations.

Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours for coral feeding. Water may show slight green tint that clears within 4-6 hours.

Recommended Dosage: Start with 10-15ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 30-40ml per 25 gallons for systems with dense copepod cultures or coral-dominant tanks.

Breeding Systems: Dose 2-4 times daily for intensive rotifer production and copepod nauplii rearing requiring maximum EPA enrichment.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake vigorously before opening—cells settle very densely.

Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 3-6 weeks when properly refrigerated. Hardy nature provides longer shelf life than delicate flagellates.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear bright green with thick consistency. Off smell or gray-brown coloration indicates declining viability.

Shake Before Use: Cells settle extremely densely—always shake vigorously to redistribute before dosing.

Avoid Freezing: Never freeze phytoplankton cultures as this destroys cell structure and nutritional value.

Live Arrival Guarantee

All PodDrop phytoplankton cultures are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our Nannochloropsis oculata is shipped fresh and concentrated for immediate use. If your culture arrives compromised (off smell, unusual color, or dead cells), contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for replacement or refund. We use insulated shipping to maintain culture viability during transit.

Shipping & Return Policy

Shipping: Monday-Wednesday via UPS 2nd Day Air for fast, reliable delivery. Arizona aquaculture license #91 ensures legal, biosecure cultures. Includes insulation and cold packs for temperature protection.

Weather Delays: We monitor conditions and may hold orders during extreme temperatures to ensure culture viability.

Returns: Live phytoplankton cannot be returned once shipped due to perishable nature. Contact us before shipping for order modifications.

Tracking: Confirmation email sent when your order ships with UPS tracking number.

Live Organism Handling Compliance

PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Nannochloropsis oculata cultures are:

• Raised in isolated, contamination-controlled systems
• Free from harmful bacteria, parasites, and competing algae species
• Packaged in food-grade, sealed containers for biosecurity
• Shipped in compliance with USDA and state aquaculture regulations
• Premium strains maintained for consistent quality and nutrition
• Sustainably produced without environmental impact

Proper Handling: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Shake vigorously before each use. Never release culture water into natural waterways. Dispose of packaging responsibly.