Tisochrysis lutea Live Phytoplankton
Tisochrysis lutea Live Phytoplankton
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Product Overview
Tisochrysis lutea is the taxonomically correct name for the legendary T-ISO strain—the golden DHA powerhouse trusted by marine hatcheries and elite reef aquarists worldwide. These 4-6 micron golden-brown flagellates deliver the highest DHA omega-3 content of any phytoplankton species, providing the specific long-chain fatty acid essential for coral tissue growth, larval neural development, and clam shell formation. Soft cell walls ensure rapid digestion and immediate nutrient bioavailability that hard-walled species cannot match.
Perfect for growth-focused reef systems and larval rearing operations, Tisochrysis lutea represents decades of aquaculture research identifying the single best phytoplankton for marine organism development. The golden pigmentation from fucoxanthin carotenoids enhances yellow and orange coloration in corals while supporting zooxanthellae photosynthetic efficiency. Beyond direct coral feeding, Tisochrysis creates premium DHA-enriched copepods when used for gut-loading—the fatty acids concentrate in copepod tissues and transfer to fish through predation. Recent taxonomic work separated Tisochrysis from Isochrysis genus, but the exceptional nutritional properties of the T-ISO strain remain identical. Active flagellar swimming maintains extended water column suspension for efficient consumption. Tisochrysis lutea arrives as a living, actively dividing culture ready to drive growth and coloration immediately upon addition.
Explore detailed care instructions, specifications, and policies below
Highest Lipid Content: Superior fat content supports copepod egg production and reproduction
DHA-Rich Nutrition: Exceptional docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels unmatched by other species
Copepod Reproduction Booster: Maximizes fecundity in all copepod species
Rotifer Enrichment Standard: Industry choice for enriching rotifers before feeding
Small Cell Size: 4-6 microns ideal for smallest copepod nauplii and coral polyps
Professional Aquaculture Standard: Used worldwide in commercial fish and invertebrate hatcheries
Highest Lipid Content: Superior fat content supports copepod egg production and reproduction
DHA-Rich Nutrition: Exceptional docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels unmatched by other species
Copepod Reproduction Booster: Maximizes fecundity in all copepod species
Rotifer Enrichment Standard: Industry choice for enriching rotifers before feeding
Small Cell Size: 4-6 microns ideal for smallest copepod nauplii and coral polyps
Professional Aquaculture Standard: Used worldwide in commercial fish and invertebrate hatcheries
Tisochrysis lutea represents the gold standard for lipid-rich phytoplankton in marine aquaculture. This small, flagellated microalgae is easily consumed by even the tiniest organisms while providing exceptional nutritional density. The golden-brown coloration comes from fucoxanthin and other valuable carotenoid pigments. Tisochrysis thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued for its extraordinarily high DHA content—the essential omega-3 fatty acid critical for neural development, reproduction, and larval survival in marine organisms. Professional breeders consider T-ISO essential for achieving maximum survival rates in larval fish culture.
Tisochrysis lutea represents the gold standard for lipid-rich phytoplankton in marine aquaculture. This small, flagellated microalgae is easily consumed by even the tiniest organisms while providing exceptional nutritional density. The golden-brown coloration comes from fucoxanthin and other valuable carotenoid pigments. Tisochrysis thrives in temperatures from 68-78°F and moderate light levels. This species is particularly valued for its extraordinarily high DHA content—the essential omega-3 fatty acid critical for neural development, reproduction, and larval survival in marine organisms. Professional breeders consider T-ISO essential for achieving maximum survival rates in larval fish culture.
Premium Lipid Content: 20-30% total lipids by dry weight—highest among common phytoplankton
Exceptional DHA Levels: Superior docosahexaenoic acid concentration for reproduction
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA profile for optimal health
High Protein Content: 35-45% crude protein by dry weight
Fucoxanthin Pigments: Valuable carotenoids with antioxidant and color-enhancing properties
Essential Sterols: Critical lipid compounds for copepod and rotifer reproduction
Premium Lipid Content: 20-30% total lipids by dry weight—highest among common phytoplankton
Exceptional DHA Levels: Superior docosahexaenoic acid concentration for reproduction
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complete EPA and DHA profile for optimal health
High Protein Content: 35-45% crude protein by dry weight
Fucoxanthin Pigments: Valuable carotenoids with antioxidant and color-enhancing properties
Essential Sterols: Critical lipid compounds for copepod and rotifer 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 dramatically improves copepod egg production and reproduction rates.
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 20-30ml per 25 gallons for maximum copepod reproduction or breeding systems.
Breeding Systems: Dose 3-4 times daily for intensive copepod and rotifer production requiring maximum lipid enrichment.
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 dramatically improves copepod egg production and reproduction rates.
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 20-30ml per 25 gallons for maximum copepod reproduction or breeding systems.
Breeding Systems: Dose 3-4 times daily for intensive copepod and rotifer production requiring maximum lipid enrichment.
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 Tisochrysis lutea 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 Tisochrysis lutea 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 Tisochrysis lutea 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 T-ISO 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 Tisochrysis lutea 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 T-ISO 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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