Nanochloropsis Oculata
This microalgae can be found in marine environments. Characteristic for his diameter between 2-3 μm and its thick cellular wall.
But what really characterizes this microalgae is its capacity of store high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega 3 (EPA). This characteristic, plus the high amount of proteins presents in this microalgae, gives to Nannochloropsis a very interesting nutritional profile.
Culture isolation from Rakamangalam.
Nannochloropsis Oculata is more difficult to culture but have an excellent nutritional profile and therefore promising specie for use in prawn larval culture. No need to culture them on site as the freezen paste and dried powder form are readily available and very easy to use.
High source of Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Nannochloropsis Oculata constitute a substantial source of HUFA (Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids). These fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6), EPA (20:5n-3) and DHA (22:6n-3) are essential for larval development. Nannochloropsis is very high in EPA (4%) and resulting in improved larval growth and survival compared to standard practices.
In addition to HUFA, Nannochloropsis supply shrimp larvae with vitamins such as vitamin C and E and pigments. It is rich source of good cholesterol.
Growth and Survival
Addition of Nannochloropsis to the shrimp larval tanks not only provides the necessary nutrition. Beneficial effects on growth and survival are also due to the algae’s attractant properties that stimulate the appetite of the larvae. Algae trigger the digestive system by stimulating the digestive enzymes such as trypsin.
The presence of microalgae in the prawn larval tanks also positively affects the bacterial population in the rearing water and thus contributes to a well balanced gut microbial flora in shrimp larvae.
Uses
- Green water techniques
- Feeding rotifers
- Feeding filter feeders
- Feeding corals
- Extruded formulations for animals and humans
Supply
- Spray dried powder
- Spray dried powder capsules
- Refrigerated paste
- Frozen pastes