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: