![Haematococcus lacustris Liv1](/public/Haeplu1/Haematococcus+outdoor+100x.jpg;jsessionid=CEF4DFB42A7E5576BBD3C0F9ED422948)
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.