Daphnia pulicaria are miniature, semi-transparent anthropod cladocerans ranging in size from 0.5 mm to about 1.75 mm with a thin exoskeleton. Daphnia are an exceptional source of vital nutrients and an excellent PL4+ feed in shrimp hatcheries.

Daphnia nutritional table. (opens in a new window)

Daphnia provide two essential vitamins of primary importance to fish development: vitamin A which is fundamental for growth and an anti-infective agent in mass culture, and vitamin D which is primarily responsible for the production of bone in vertebrates. Daphnia also provide small amounts of vitamin B, which supports tissue growth and stimulates appetite, and vitamin C, which boosts immunity.

Klamath Lake Daphnia are a rich source of oleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids, and their natural enrichment through their consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae provides superlative omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids for finfish and shrimp larvae.

Daphnia pulicaria are a highly nutritious aquaculture feed supplement to complement the feeding of Artemia nauplii.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
A Natural Source of Phytonutrients

Naturally occurring blue-green algae is a rich source of phytonutrients, and has been consumed by humans for centuries. In the last fifteen years, the cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have been successfully marketed in the human sector as a dietary supplement.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae contain a wide variety of phytochemicals whose biological, pharmacological, and chemoprotective properties are being extensively studied. This unique microalgae comprises a bounty of natural nutrients including chlorophyll, carotenoids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and phycocyanin, all which provide scientifically demonstrated health-promoting benefits.

The immuno-stimulant and anti-inflammatory properties of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are very important to shrimp and finfish larval culture development, especially in hatcheries where the management of viral and bacterial diseases is a major industry problem.

Use of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae in the aquaculture industry as a food supplement is relatively new, and holds great promise in stimulating immune responses in both finfish and shrimp larval culture. Empirical data suggests that a 5% to 15% inclusion in the larval diet of penaeid shrimp at the Zoea stage greatly reduces the occurrence of "Zoea Syndrome".