Phaeodactylum
Taxonomy: Phaeodactylum belongs to the unicellular brown algal class, or the diatoms, classified as: Bacillariophyta (Phylum); Phaeodactylaceae (Family); Phaeodactylum (Genus).
Morphology: Most cells have a fusiform shape and some cells present trigonometrically and ovoid forms. Ranging size from 5 to 12 µm.
Applications:
- Rich in silicates, important for exoskeleton formation of corals, bivalves and crustaceans.
- Adequate content of vitamin B12, thiamine and biotin. Essential for a good appetite, development and growth of aquarium inhabitants.
- Optimal essential amino acids profile: leucine, lysine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and folic acid. Helps to improve marine species growth.
- Rich in a wide range of pigments: chlorophyll-a, c1, c2, α, β – carotene, fucoxanthin, neufucoxanthin and diadinoxanthin. Essential to enhance the colouration of marine organisms under artificial conditions.
Biochemical composition (dw%): Min crude protein = 30; Min crude fat = 5 and Max ash = 22.
Phaeodactylum is available in the following formulations: