Rhodomonas salina Live Phytoplankton

Product Overview

Rhodomonas salina is a premium marine cryptophyte phytoplankton renowned for its exceptional nutritional value and versatility in reef aquariums and marine breeding systems. This highly digestible microalgae is a gold standard food source for copepods, rotifers, and filter-feeding organisms, offering superior nutrition that supports reproduction and growth. Our cultures are concentrated, viable, and ready to dose directly into your system.

Key Benefits for Reef Aquaria

• Gold Standard Copepod Food: Industry-preferred species for maximum copepod reproduction rates
• Superior Nutritional Profile: Highest quality food for sustaining all copepod species
• Rotifer Production Essential: Critical for high-density rotifer cultures in breeding systems
• Coral and Filter Feeder Nutrition: Small cell size (6-10 microns) perfect for direct coral feeding
• Enhanced Digestibility: Thin cell walls maximize nutrient bioavailability
• Natural Color Enhancement: Rich in phycoerythrin pigments for vibrant coral and fish coloration

Species Highlights

Rhodomonas salina is considered the premium choice among cryptophyte phytoplankton species for marine aquaculture worldwide. Its small, highly motile cells are readily consumed by the smallest copepod nauplii, making it essential for maintaining productive cultures. The distinctive reddish-brown coloration comes from phycoerythrin, a valuable pigment-protein complex with antioxidant properties. Rhodomonas salina thrives in temperatures from 65-75°F and moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued in professional aquaculture for its superior fatty acid profile and ability to support maximum copepod fecundity and egg production.

Nutritional Profile

• Premium Protein Content: 42-52% crude protein by dry weight
• Exceptional Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Highest EPA and DHA levels among cultured phytoplankton
• Complete Vitamin Complex: Full B-vitamin spectrum, vitamin C, and essential micronutrients
• Phycoerythrin Pigments: Natural antioxidants and color-enhancing compounds
• Maximum Digestibility: Ultra-thin cell wall for optimal nutrient absorption
• Essential Sterols and Lipids: Critical compounds for copepod egg production and larval 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 maximizes 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 maximum 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 reddish-brown coloration.

Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear reddish-brown in color. Off smell, gray 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 salina 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 salina 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.