Isochrysis - Single Species
Isochrysis - Single Species
Isochrysis is a genus of marine microalgae known for its high content of essential fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), Isochrysis provides a rich nutritional profile beneficial to marine life. It is commonly used as a live feed for bivalve mollusks, shrimp larvae, and other filter feeders, promoting their growth and development. These golden-brown algae are characterized by their small, spherical cells, typically around 5-7 micrometers in diameter. Isochrysis is particularly valued for its rich composition of essential fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and other lipids, proteins, vitamins, and pigments. This nutritional profile makes it an excellent food source for various marine organisms, including fish larvae, bivalves, and crustaceans, promoting their growth and health in aquaculture settings. One of the key benefits of Isochrysis is its ability to enhance the nutritional value of live feeds, such as rotifers and Artemia, which are then consumed by higher trophic level species. This microalgae is also noted for its role in enriching the diet of filter-feeding mollusks, improving their growth rates, survival, and reproductive success. The presence of antioxidants and carotenoids in Isochrysis further contributes to the health and coloration of marine species.