Microalgae play a crucial nutritional role for the marine animals. Phytoplankton is the basis of the marine food chain. Most marine invertebrates depend on microalgae for their whole life cycle.

Microalgae are used in aquaculture hatcheries for fish, shrimp, and shellfish larviculture, especially for live-prey cultivation and enrichment of Rotifers and Artemia. Microalgae may be also used to perform the Green Water Technique widely reported as improving fish larvae growth, survival, and feed ingestion, to develop the immunological system, pigmentation and swim bladder function. It has also been reported that the Green Water Technique has positive effect on the stabilization of water quality within the rearing tanks.

Microalgae also present unique opportunities as functional ingredients for pet food applications as a source of protein, fatty acids (Omega 3 EPA and DHA), antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can improve intestinal health, the shine and strength of the coat and activate the immune system of animals and are beneficial for various health conditions such as inflammation, skin and kidneys diseases and osteoarthritis.