Isochrysis galbana Live Phytoplankton
Isochrysis galbana Live Phytoplankton
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Product Overview
Isochrysis galbana is the golden DHA specialist that drives coral tissue growth, clam development, and larval rearing success. These 4-6 micron golden-brown flagellates contain the highest DHA omega-3 levels of any phytoplankton—providing the specific long-chain fatty acid critical for neural development, tissue regeneration, and reproductive success in marine organisms. Soft cryptophyte-like cell walls ensure easy digestion and rapid nutrient absorption that hard-walled species cannot match.
Ideal for aquarists maximizing coral and clam growth or raising larvae, Isochrysis galbana (specifically the T-ISO strain) represents the gold standard in aquaculture hatcheries worldwide. The golden pigmentation from fucoxanthin and other carotenoids enhances yellow-orange coloration in corals while supporting photosynthetic efficiency in zooxanthellae. Beyond direct coral feeding, Isochrysis serves as premium copepod enrichment—copepods fed T-ISO develop higher DHA levels and produce more viable offspring. The medium cell size suits both juvenile and adult filter feeders. Isochrysis galbana arrives as a living, actively dividing culture that begins supporting growth and development immediately upon addition.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Balanced Nutrition: Well-rounded protein and lipid profile for general copepod maintenance
Versatile Size: 4-6 microns suitable for copepod nauplii, adults, and filter feeders
Robust and Reliable: Hardy species tolerates parameter fluctuations better than delicate algae
Cost-Effective: Excellent nutritional value at an economical price point
Filter Feeder Support: Ideal for clams, feather dusters, and soft corals
Proven Track Record: Decades of use in commercial aquaculture worldwide
Balanced Nutrition: Well-rounded protein and lipid profile for general copepod maintenance
Versatile Size: 4-6 microns suitable for copepod nauplii, adults, and filter feeders
Robust and Reliable: Hardy species tolerates parameter fluctuations better than delicate algae
Cost-Effective: Excellent nutritional value at an economical price point
Filter Feeder Support: Ideal for clams, feather dusters, and soft corals
Proven Track Record: Decades of use in commercial aquaculture worldwide
Isochrysis galbana is one of the most historically important phytoplankton species in marine aquaculture, with a proven track record spanning decades. This small, flagellated microalgae exhibits golden-brown coloration from fucoxanthin and other carotenoid pigments. Isochrysis thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and moderate light levels, making it adaptable to various culture conditions. While the T-ISO strain (Tisochrysis lutea) has higher DHA content, standard Isochrysis galbana remains valuable for its balanced nutrition, hardiness, and reliability. This species is particularly suited for hobbyists seeking a versatile, economical phytoplankton for general reef tank maintenance.
Isochrysis galbana is one of the most historically important phytoplankton species in marine aquaculture, with a proven track record spanning decades. This small, flagellated microalgae exhibits golden-brown coloration from fucoxanthin and other carotenoid pigments. Isochrysis thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and moderate light levels, making it adaptable to various culture conditions. While the T-ISO strain (Tisochrysis lutea) has higher DHA content, standard Isochrysis galbana remains valuable for its balanced nutrition, hardiness, and reliability. This species is particularly suited for hobbyists seeking a versatile, economical phytoplankton for general reef tank maintenance.
Balanced Protein Content: 35-45% crude protein by dry weight
Moderate Lipid Levels: 12-20% total lipids with good fatty acid balance
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Solid EPA and moderate DHA content for copepod health
Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin E, and essential micronutrients
Fucoxanthin Pigments: Carotenoids with antioxidant and color-enhancing properties
Essential Sterols: Important lipid compounds for copepod reproduction
Balanced Protein Content: 35-45% crude protein by dry weight
Moderate Lipid Levels: 12-20% total lipids with good fatty acid balance
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Solid EPA and moderate DHA content for copepod health
Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin E, and essential micronutrients
Fucoxanthin Pigments: Carotenoids with antioxidant and color-enhancing properties
Essential Sterols: Important lipid compounds for copepod reproduction
Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use to redistribute cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods.
Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports steady copepod populations and general maintenance.
Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours. Water may show slight golden tint that clears within hours as organisms consume cells.
Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 15-25ml per 25 gallons for systems with moderate copepod cultures or filter feeders.
Breeding Systems: Dose 2-3 times daily for rotifer and copepod production systems requiring reliable, economical nutrition.
Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use to redistribute cells. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods.
Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports steady copepod populations and general maintenance.
Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours. Water may show slight golden tint that clears within hours as organisms consume cells.
Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily for maintenance. Increase to 15-25ml per 25 gallons for systems with moderate copepod cultures or filter feeders.
Breeding Systems: Dose 2-3 times daily for rotifer and copepod production systems requiring reliable, economical nutrition.
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 golden-brown coloration.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear golden-brown in color. Off smell, green or gray coloration 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.
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 golden-brown coloration.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear golden-brown in color. Off smell, green or gray coloration 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.
All PodDrop phytoplankton cultures are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our Isochrysis galbana 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.
All PodDrop phytoplankton cultures are guaranteed to arrive alive and viable. Our Isochrysis galbana 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: 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.
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.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Isochrysis galbana 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
Standard strain 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.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Isochrysis galbana 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
Standard strain 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.
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