Pavlova lutheri (now also classified as Diacronema lutheri) is a golden-brown microalga prized in aquaculture for its rich profile of DHA, EPA, and sterols. It's a premium feed for bivalves, larval fish, copepods, and rotifers, and is particularly valued for broodstock conditioning and early-stage development.
What you'll need
- Pavlova starter culture
- F/2 or Walne's fertiliser
- Saltwater at 1.018 to 1.022 SG
- Bright, full-spectrum light (6,500 to 10,000K)
- Air pump with rigid airline tubing
- Sterile container (glass or HDPE)
- Optional: a gentle stir plate to prevent cells sticking and clumping
Culturing instructions
Prepare the culture medium. Mix RO/DI water with reef-grade salt to 1.020 SG. Add nutrients (F/2 or Walne's). Stable temperature is critical, ideally between 18 and 24°C.
Inoculate. Add the Pavlova starter to your prepared medium. Swirl gently to distribute the cells evenly.
Aerate softly. Use fine, low-turbulence aeration with a rigid airline. Pavlova is delicate, and strong bubbling will shear the cells.
Light it up. Provide 14 to 16 hours of full-spectrum light each day. Avoid overheating. Pavlova prefers cool, consistent temperatures.
Monitor. A culture should turn from pale to golden-brown over 5 to 8 days. Healthy Pavlova has a clean marine smell. Anything sour or off is a warning sign.
Harvest. Use a fine mesh or gentle decanting. Refrigerate immediately and use it quickly. Always keep a backup culture going so a single crash doesn't wipe out your supply.
Best practices
- Avoid vigorous bubbling. Soft, fine aeration only.
- Pavlova is sticky. Regular swirling or gentle mixing prevents wall buildup.
- Sterilise all equipment and containers between batches to avoid contamination.
Why culture Pavlova?
- High DHA and EPA. Superior to most other microalgae on the omega-3 front.
- Sterol-rich. Supports membrane development in larvae.
- Essential for bivalves and larval fish. Improves both survival and growth at early stages.
- Brilliant for enrichment. Boosts the nutritional value of your other live feeds before they go in the tank.
Pavlova is finickier than your everyday green algae, but the nutritional value makes it worth the effort. Especially when you're aiming for the best larval survival and long-term reef health.
