Photo credit: J. Wilkenfeld

Haematococcus lacustris var. Liv1-3

Haematococcus lacustris is a unicellular chlorophyte with global distribution in many freshwater habitats. Under stress conditions, Haematococcus forms an immotile cyst that accumulates high levels of astaxanthin, a secondary carotenoid with strong antioxidant activity and bright blood-red color. Haematococcus is widely used in commercial production of natural astaxanthin, which is incorporated into a variety of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, personal care products and aquaculture feeds.