Rhodomonas salina Live Phytoplankton
Rhodomonas salina Live Phytoplankton
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Product Overview
Rhodomonas salina is the premium red cryptophyte phytoplankton for intensifying coral coloration and delivering elite nutrition to reef aquariums. These 6-8 micron red-pink flagellates contain the highest combined DHA+EPA omega-3 levels of any phytoplankton while offering soft, easily digested cell walls that make nutrients immediately bioavailable. Red phycoerythrin pigments provide the raw materials for coral red and orange fluorescent proteins, creating visible color enhancement within 2-3 weeks of regular feeding.
Perfect for competition-grade reef systems and color-focused aquarists, Rhodomonas salina represents copepod superfood—its superior digestibility and nutrient density boost copepod reproduction rates beyond what green phytoplankton can achieve. The active swimming behavior keeps cells suspended in the water column longer, ensuring efficient consumption by both copepods and filter-feeding corals, clams, sponges, and feather dusters. Beyond coloration, the exceptional fatty acid profile supports coral tissue growth, immune function, and stress resistance. Rhodomonas salina arrives as a living, actively dividing culture ready to feed your reef and enrich your copepod populations immediately.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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 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.
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.
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