Description
Tetraselmis is a nutrient-rich, motile green microalga with high lipid content; perfect for kickstarting your own live culture. Its active movement encourages natural feeding in filter feeders and zooplankton, while its dense profile of chlorophyll, amino acids, and omega-3s supports healthy, biodiverse systems. Grown in controlled conditions and shipped fresh, never stored or preserved, our Tetraselmis starter culture is ideal for reef tanks, hatcheries, and aquaculture operations.
Rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and chlorophyll
Naturally stimulates feeding in corals, clams, and zooplankton
Enhances biodiversity and promotes larval development
Improves nutrient export and overall water quality
Shipped live and fresh - no additives, no preservatives
Ideal for daily dosing in marine and reef systems.
Tetraselmis: The Green Workhorse
Tetraselmis is a motile green microalga widely used in aquaculture. Rich in EPA, proteins, and vitamins, it is an ideal live feed for rotifers, copepods, bivalves, and larval fish. Its fast growth and broad tolerance make it a reliable daily food and water conditioner.
Reef Tank Nutrition
Packed with EPA rich lipids, proteins, and amino acids. Feeds pods, rotifers, and other filter feeders. Regular dosing supports coral color and tissue growth.
Oxygen Support
Through photosynthesis it adds oxygen and helps stabilize pH in the light period. Cells stay suspended and compete with nuisance microalgae.
Food Chain Foundation
Sustains rotifer and copepod cultures and boosts in tank pod populations. This in turn feeds fish and corals, helping the reef run naturally.
Growth Chart (Tetraselmis)
A useful colour chart showing growth milestones specific to this strain of phytoplankton.
Tetraselmis Culture Guide
Follow this comprehensive guide to successfully culture phytoplankton with simple instructions.
Culture Volume Calculator
Salinity Requirements
Maintain salinity between 1.020sg to 1.026sg.
Step-by-Step Culturing Guide
Sterilise all equipment including containers, pipettes, and measuring tools.
Mix the calculated amount of F2 medium with pre-mixed synthetic salt. Ensure proper salinity levels.
Add the calculated initial culture volume (20% of container volume) to your prepared medium. Work in sterile conditions to prevent contamination.
Provide continuous white lighting at 5500k using LED or fluorescent lights. Maintain 16-18hour photoperiod for optimal growth.
Maintain temperature between 18-22°C (64-72°F). Use temperature-controlled room for consistent conditions.
Provide gentle aeration to prevent settling and ensure nutrient distribution. Avoid excessive agitation.
Check culture daily for color changes and cell density, optionally using a Secchi Stick.
Harvest when culture reaches peak density (usually 7-14 days). Use immediately or store refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reserve 20% for next batch.
