Tetraselmis chui Phytoplankton Culture

Product Overview

Tetraselmis chui is the large, robust green flagellate that delivers size, energy, and versatility to your reef feeding program. These 8-12 micron four-flagellated cells represent one of the largest single-celled phytoplankton species available to aquarists, making them ideal for feeding large-polyp corals, mature copepod populations, and substantial filter feeders like clams and sea cucumbers. The distinctive quadra-flagellar swimming creates vigorous movement that maintains water column suspension and triggers strong feeding responses in corals and invertebrates.

Perfect for diversifying beyond smaller phytoplankton species or targeting organisms that require larger food particles, Tetraselmis chui offers exceptional nutritional density with high protein (30-40%) and balanced lipid profiles. The robust cellulose cell walls provide sustained-release nutrition—organisms feeding on T. chui receive extended energy availability compared to soft-walled species that digest within minutes. High chlorophyll content supports photosynthetic coral zooxanthellae while the substantial cell size creates visible feeding responses you can observe. Tetraselmis chui also serves as excellent copepod food for established populations, though the larger size makes it less suitable for early nauplii stages. The species' hardy nature and vigorous growth make it easier to culture than delicate cryptophytes. Tetraselmis chui arrives as a living, actively dividing culture that adds crucial size diversity to your reef nutrition program immediately.