Rhodomonas lens live phytoplankton
Rhodomonas lens live phytoplankton
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Product Overview
Rhodomonas lens is the compact color-enhancing cryptophyte that delivers premium red pigmentation in a slightly smaller package than R. salina. These 5-7 micron red flagellates provide the same exceptional DHA+EPA omega-3 profiles and phycoerythrin pigments as their larger cousin while offering improved accessibility to small-polyp corals and copepod nauplii. The smaller cell size creates more efficient feeding for SPS-dominated systems and early-stage copepod cultures.
Ideal for aquarists seeking maximum color enhancement with optimized particle size distribution, Rhodomonas lens bridges the gap between tiny Nannochloropsis and larger phytoplankton species. Soft cryptophyte cell walls ensure rapid digestion and nutrient absorption—corals can fully utilize the nutrition within minutes of consumption. The red pigmentation intensifies coral reds and oranges while providing powerful antioxidant protection against light stress and bleaching. Active flagellar swimming maintains water column suspension for extended periods. Rhodomonas lens arrives as a living, actively dividing culture that begins enriching your copepods and feeding your corals immediately upon addition.

Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Essential Copepod Food: Primary diet for sustaining all copepod species in refugiums and display tanks
Rotifer Culture Base: Critical food source for rotifer production in breeding systems
Coral Nutrition: Small cell size (8-12 microns) ideal for direct coral feeding
Filter Feeder Support: Perfect for clams, feather dusters, sponges, and tunicates
Water Quality: Consumes excess nutrients while providing live food
Natural Coloration: Rich in phycoerythrin pigments that enhance coral and fish color
Essential Copepod Food: Primary diet for sustaining all copepod species in refugiums and display tanks
Rotifer Culture Base: Critical food source for rotifer production in breeding systems
Coral Nutrition: Small cell size (8-12 microns) ideal for direct coral feeding
Filter Feeder Support: Perfect for clams, feather dusters, sponges, and tunicates
Water Quality: Consumes excess nutrients while providing live food
Natural Coloration: Rich in phycoerythrin pigments that enhance coral and fish color
Rhodomonas lens is considered one of the most nutritionally complete phytoplankton species available for marine aquaculture. Its small, motile cells are easily consumed by even the tiniest copepod nauplii and coral polyps. The distinctive red-pink coloration comes from phycoerythrin, a valuable protein-pigment complex. Rhodomonas thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and tolerates moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued for its high digestibility and complete nutritional profile, making it superior to many green microalgae species for sustaining healthy copepod populations.
Rhodomonas lens is considered one of the most nutritionally complete phytoplankton species available for marine aquaculture. Its small, motile cells are easily consumed by even the tiniest copepod nauplii and coral polyps. The distinctive red-pink coloration comes from phycoerythrin, a valuable protein-pigment complex. Rhodomonas thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and tolerates moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued for its high digestibility and complete nutritional profile, making it superior to many green microalgae species for sustaining healthy copepod populations.
High Protein Content: 40-50% crude protein by dry weight
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA for copepod reproduction
Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin C, and essential micronutrients
Phycoerythrin Pigments: Natural antioxidants and color-enhancing compounds
Highly Digestible: Thin cell wall for maximum nutrient bioavailability
Essential Sterols: Critical lipids for zooplankton development and reproduction
High Protein Content: 40-50% crude protein by dry weight
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent EPA and DHA for copepod reproduction
Complete Vitamin Profile: B-vitamins, vitamin C, and essential micronutrients
Phycoerythrin Pigments: Natural antioxidants and color-enhancing compounds
Highly Digestible: Thin cell wall for maximum nutrient bioavailability
Essential Sterols: Critical lipids for zooplankton development and reproduction
Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods for best distribution.
Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports continuous copepod reproduction.
Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours when corals extend polyps. Water may show slight cloudiness that clears within hours.
Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily. Adjust based on copepod populations and coral response. Higher doses (20-30ml per 25 gallons) for systems with dense copepod cultures or filter feeders.
Breeding Systems: Dose 2-3 times daily for rotifer and copepod production systems.
Dosing: Shake bottle gently before use. Add directly to refugium, sump, or display tank during low-flow periods for best distribution.
Refugium Addition: Dose near copepod populations for direct feeding. Daily dosing supports continuous copepod reproduction.
Display Tank: Broadcast dose in evening hours when corals extend polyps. Water may show slight cloudiness that clears within hours.
Recommended Dosage: Start with 5-10ml per 25 gallons daily. Adjust based on copepod populations and coral response. Higher doses (20-30ml per 25 gallons) for systems with dense copepod cultures or filter feeders.
Breeding Systems: Dose 2-3 times daily for rotifer and copepod production systems.
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 red-pink coloration.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear red-pink in color. Off smell or color change 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 red-pink coloration.
Viability Check: Healthy cultures appear red-pink in color. Off smell or color change 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 Rhodomonas lens 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 Rhodomonas lens 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 Rhodomonas lens 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
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.
PodDrop operates as a licensed Arizona aquaculture facility (AQ License #91) following strict biosecurity and handling protocols. Our Rhodomonas lens 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
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.
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