Microphytes

Microphytes are microscopic algae and attached diatoms, typically found in freshwater systems, and are sometimes called microalgae.

They are unicellular species which exist individually, or in chains or groups. Depending on the species, their sizes can range from a few micrometers (µm) to a few hundreds of micrometers. Microalgae such as microphytes constitute the basic foodstuff for numerous aquaculture species, especially filtering bivalves. They provide them with vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, necessary for the growth of the bivalves which do not know how to synthesize it themselves.

In addition, because the cells grow in aqueous suspension, they have more efficient access to water, CO2, and other nutrients.