Schizochytrium
| Schizochytrium | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| (unranked): | SAR |
| Superphylum: | Heterokonta |
| Class: | Labyrinthulomycetes |
| Order: | Labyrinthulales |
| Family: | Thraustochytriaceae |
| Genus: |
Schizochytrium S. Goldst. & Belsky emend. T. Booth & C. E. Mill. |
| Species | |
S. aggregatum
S. limacinum
S. minutum
Schizochytrium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotes found in coastal marine habitats in the family Thraustochytriaceae. They are assigned to the Stramenopiles (heterokonts), a group which also contains kelp and various microalgae.
Several stages occur in its lifecycle. The feeding form has a stiff, rounded body with cellular extensions used in feeding. Cells can transform into mobile flagellated cells with stiff tripartite hairs typical of the Stramenopiles. Cells can also grow and divide to form a cluster of cells which may become a sorus that produces biflagellated zoospores.
Certain species produce large amounts of docosahexaenoic acid and are grown commercially for production of this oil for animal feeds, biomass, and biofuels. In 2016, juvenile Nile tilapia were given a feed containing dried Schizochytrium in place of fish oil. When compared to a control group raised on regular feed, they exhibited higher weight gain and better feed conversion, and their flesh was higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
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