Live Phytoplankton - Pavlova

Pavlova is a genus of marine microalgae highly regarded in aquaculture and advanced reef systems for its rich fatty acid profile and excellent digestibility. It is commonly used both as a direct feed for filter feeders and as an enrichment food for live zooplankton.

Nutritional Highlights

Rich in Essential Fatty Acids
Pavlova is valued for its balanced lipid composition, including:

• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

• Other beneficial HUFAs

This combination makes it particularly effective for supporting:

• Larval fish development

• Bivalve growth

• Copepod reproduction

• Coral health and tissue development

Excellent for Enrichment

Because live feeds reflect what they consume, Pavlova is often used to enrich:

• Copepods

• Rotifers

• Brine shrimp

• Clam and oyster larvae

Compared to some tougher-walled phytoplankton species, Pavlova is relatively digestible, allowing zooplankton to efficiently assimilate and retain its fatty acids.

Benefits in Reef Aquariums

• Supports copepod population growth

• Feeds filter-feeding invertebrates

• Suitable for clams, feather dusters, and some corals

• Enhances the nutritional value of live food cultures

Its moderate cell size and soft structure make it more directly usable by suspension feeders than certain green algae species.

Dosing & Handling

• Store refrigerated and shake before use.

• Dose gradually to prevent nutrient spikes.

• Consider temporarily reducing mechanical filtration when adding phytoplankton for better availability.

Pavlova phytoplankton is often included in premium multi-strain blends due to its fatty acid diversity and digestibility. When incorporated into a reef feeding strategy, it can significantly improve both live feed quality and overall system nutrition.