Thalassiosira weissflogii (TW) is a large diatom (6-20µm x 8-15µm) that is used in the shrimp and shellfish larviculture industry. This algae is considered by several hatcheries to be the single best algae for larval shrimp. The large cell size (16 X the biomass of Chaetoceros and 3 X the biomass of Tetraselmis) extends the algae feeding period until the end of the PL stage. During the winter this algae is about 15 microns, but shrinks to about 5 microns during the summer.
The color of TW varies from brown to green to yellow, depending on the amount of chlorophyll in the culture. This color change does not in any way affect the quality of the algae.
Fin Fish Hatcheries:
Good for feeding copepods and brine shrimp.
Shellfish Hatcheries:
Due to its large size TW is an very good feed for post-set (200 microns and larger) oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops and for broodstock conditioning
Shrimp Hatcheries:
TW can be fed from mysis well into the PL phase. This is a real advantage because the high lipid and carbohydrate levels continue to boost survival and growth rates.
