Mixotrophically Cultured Thalassiosira sp. Boosts Growth and Survival of Pacific White Shrimp Larvae

A groundbreaking study published in Aquaculture International reveals that mixotrophically cultured Thalassiosira sp. diatoms can significantly enhance the growth and health performance of Pacific white shrimp larvae (Penaeus vannamei). The research compared different organic carbon sources to optimize microalgae nutritional quality and its impact as live feed in shrimp hatcheries.

Researchers evaluated three carbon sources—molasses, glucose, and fructose—at varying concentrations (0.25–0.75 g/L) under two light regimes. The first phase involved identifying which mixotrophic condition produced the most nutrient-rich Thalassiosira sp. The second phase tested the top-performing microalgal preparations as live diets for shrimp larvae.

The standout result came from the F25 treatment (fructose at 0.25 g/L under a 12-h dark/light cycle). This condition produced diatoms with the highest protein (50.19%) and lipid (25.09%) content, leading to measurable improvements in shrimp performance. Larvae fed this treatment showed:

Highest survival rate: 48.61%
Highest specific growth rate: 9.33% mm/day
Stronger molting synchronization and improved health indices
Greater tolerance to salinity stress
Higher antioxidant activity (SOD inhibition)

Water quality remained optimal across treatments, confirming that the improved performance was directly linked to the enhanced nutritional profile of the microalgae.

According to the study, supplementing Thalassiosira cultures with low-dose fructose under mixotrophic conditions results in a superior live feed capable of elevating shrimp hatchery outcomes.

The authors conclude that mixotrophic microalgae cultivation, especially with fructose enrichment, represents a cost-effective and nutritionally superior strategy for improving larval rearing success in modern aquaculture.

Reference

Ichsani, A.G., Wiyoto, W., Ekasari, J. et al. Utilization of mixotrophically grown microalgae Thalassiosira sp. to increase the growth and health performance of Pacific white shrimp larvae (Penaeus vannamei). Aquacult Int 33, 609 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-025-02289-x