Rhodomonas Cruentum Live Phytoplankton

Product Overview

Rhodomonas cruentum is a premium marine cryptophyte phytoplankton closely related to R. salina, offering exceptional nutritional value for copepod cultures and filter-feeding reef organisms. This highly digestible microalgae provides superior fatty acid profiles and phycoerythrin pigments, making it an excellent alternative or complement to other Rhodomonas species. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Premium Copepod Nutrition: Exceptional nutritional profile supports maximum copepod reproduction
• High Digestibility: Ultra-thin cell walls maximize nutrient bioavailability
• Rotifer Production: Excellent food source for high-density rotifer cultures
• Small Cell Size: 6-10 microns ideal for copepod nauplii and coral polyps
• Natural Color Enhancement: Rich in phycoerythrin pigments for vibrant reef coloration
• Filter Feeder Support: Perfect size for clams, sponges, feather dusters, and tunicates

Species Highlights

Rhodomonas cruentum is a premium cryptophyte species that shares many characteristics with the renowned R. salina, making it an excellent choice for demanding reef aquariums and breeding systems. This small, highly motile microalgae displays distinctive deep red coloration from high concentrations of phycoerythrin pigment-protein complexes. Rhodomonas cruentum thrives in temperatures from 65-75°F and moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued for its exceptional palatability—copepods and rotifers consume it readily, often showing preference over other phytoplankton species. The superior fatty acid profile makes it excellent for maintaining productive copepod populations and supporting coral health.

Nutritional Profile

• High Protein Content: 42-52% crude protein by dry weight
• Rich Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA levels for copepod reproduction
• Complete Vitamin Complex: Full B-vitamin spectrum, vitamin C, and essential micronutrients
• Phycoerythrin Pigments: Natural antioxidants with color-enhancing and immune-supporting properties
• Maximum Digestibility: Ultra-thin cell walls for optimal nutrient absorption
• Essential Sterols and Lipids: Critical compounds for copepod egg production and development

How to Add to Your Tank

Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use to redistribute cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods for optimal distribution.

Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports robust copepod reproduction and population density.

Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours when corals extend polyps. Water may show slight reddish tint that clears within hours.

Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 15-25ml per 25 gallons for systems with dense copepod cultures or heavy filter feeder loads.

Breeding Systems: Dose 2-4 times daily for intensive rotifer and copepod production systems requiring premium nutrition.

Storage and Care

Upon Arrival: Refrigerate immediately at 35-45°F. Shake gently before opening to redistribute cells.

Refrigerated Storage: Keeps for 2-4 weeks when properly refrigerated. Check for fresh ocean smell and deep red coloration.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear deep red in color. Off smell, gray or brown coloration, or settling without resuspension indicates declining viability.

Shake Before Use: Cells settle naturally—always shake gently 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 Rhodomonas cruentum 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 Rhodomonas cruentum 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 monoculture strains maintained for consistent quality and nutrition
• Sustainably produced without environmental impact

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