Nannochloropsis oculata Live Phytoplankton
Nannochloropsis oculata Live Phytoplankton
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Product Overview
Nannochloropsis is the industry-standard green phytoplankton that powers copepod reproduction and drives nutrient export in reef aquariums. These 2-4 micron spherical cells contain the highest EPA omega-3 content of any phytoplankton (30-40% of total fatty acids) while providing 40-50% protein by dry weight—representing ideal nutrition for all copepod life stages from nauplii to adults. Rapid reproduction rates (doubling every 24-48 hours) create dense, productive cultures that sustain large copepod populations.
Perfect as the foundation species for any reef feeding program, Nannochloropsis excels at nutrient sequestration by actively consuming nitrates and phosphates from the water column and locking them into cellular biomass. The thick cell walls resist rupture, keeping nutrients contained until consumed by copepods or filter feeders rather than leaching back into the water. Universal appeal makes Nannochloropsis essential for feeding copepods, small-polyp stony corals, clams, sponges, feather dusters, and other filter-feeding invertebrates. The small size ensures accessibility to even the tiniest organisms. Nannochloropsis arrives as a living, actively dividing culture ready to fuel copepod breeding and clean your water immediately.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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 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.
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.
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