Different species of phytoplankton

[chris_h]

My phytoplankton culture died so I have to buy some more and I am thinking about the differenct phytoplanktons. Most people use Nannochloropsis for clams becouse it is already being grown for rotifers, but is Nannochloropsis really ideal for clams?

I was looking at the Plankton Culture Manual. On page 6 it lists the uses of the different algeas, and Nannochloropsis was not listed as used for clams. Isochrysis, Phaeodactylum, Thallasiosira, and Chaetoceros are listed as used for clams. Do you think the ones listed as being used for clams would be a better clam food than Nannochlopsis?

 

[simonh]

Hi Chris,

Checkout this recent discussion in Dr Ron's forum:

http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73217&highlight=phytoplankton

 

[ADS]

In the early stages of clam rearing a motile phyto such as Isocrysis is preferred for it' ability to stay suspended in the water column and it's size ~6 microns. (Clam larvae in the veliger stage are free swimming and motile). As clams mature this becomes less important. Nutritionally the different phyto species appear equivalent. In my experience thus far, Isocrysis is a little more labile in culture but still maintainable. I keep and feed both.

 

[chris_h]

Thanks for the link. I think I will stick with the Nannochloropsis.