Differences in strains of Isochrysis of importance to mariculture

Algal strains identified as Isochrysis are used widely in commerical mariculture and in rearing marine invertebrates for research purposes. Isochrysis isolates are from several geographic locations, and their relationships to each other are not known. Research reports of Isochrysis growth characteristics, biochemical composition, and nutritional value to invertebrates suggest that a number of these strains differ in terms of their taxonomy and fundamental biology; their practical use as mariculture feeds differs as well. In this note, we discuss origins of some of these strains, describe differences between these from our own and others' research, and recommend that researchers be cognizant of the cultural history of their Isochrysis strains because differences between them will affect their use as mariculture feeds.