Desert Lake Technologies
Leaders in Microalgae & Zooplankton Harvesting

Desert Lake Technologies (DLT) is the vertically integrated harvester, processor, and worldwide distributor of fresh water microalgae and zooplankton products to the commercial aquaculture and aquarium industries.

DLT is the leading producer of naturally enriched Daphnia pulicaria, a freshwater cladoceran, and premium quality Aphanizomenon flos-aquae blue-green algae. These extraordinary organisms grow wild in the waters of Upper Klamath Lake, nestled in a secluded area of the Cascade Mountain Range in Southern Oregon, U.S.A. Both are highly nutritious, organic products ideal for feeding specific larval stages of shrimp, and fresh or brackish water fish.

Read about Klamath Lake here.

DLT's innovative technologies in the collection and processing of natural products from Klamath Lake have revolutionized the industry. Our distinctive method of harvesting, in combination with our proprietary Refractance Window™ drying process and strict quality control practices, result in the production of superior products at very reasonable prices.

Harvesting and Processing
Adherence to Highest Quality Practices

Desert Lake Technologies has developed a comprehensive
Quality Control program to ensure our microalgae and zooplankton products are only harvested under optimal conditions, and specific criteria are met to certify the quality of the end product.
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Our Refractance Window™ drying technology is a proprietary drying process that uses heat transfer technology and specific properties of water to gently remove moisture from material while maintaining the maximum integrity of the natural product. Refractance Window™ drying technology is an innovative process unique to the Klamath Lake natural products industry - no other zooplankton company utilizes this method of drying.


Commercial Zooplankton Products
Purest, Freshest Natural Products

Desert Lake Technologies is a full-service company offering wholesale Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bulk powder, and bulk fresh-frozen and dried Daphnia pulicaria to commercial aquaculture growers, and the tropical fish feed industry.

Our expert research and sales consultants are dedicated to providing our commercial customers with extensive scientific, and marketing program support. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with innovative products and exceptional service, and we look forward to developing a rewarding working partnership with you.

For Ordering or Further Information
Contact Desert Lake Technologies Commercial Sales

Daphnia pulicaria
Naturally Enriched with Aphanizomenon flos-aquae

Daphnia pulicaria are miniature, semi-transparent anthropod cladocerans ranging in size from 0.5 mm to about 1.75 mm with a thin exoskeleton. Daphnia are an exceptional source of vital nutrients and an excellent PL4+ feed in shrimp hatcheries.

Daphnia provide two essential vitamins of primary importance to fish development: vitamin A which is fundamental for growth and an anti-infective agent in mass culture, and vitamin D which is primarily responsible for the production of bone in vertebrates. Daphnia also provide small amounts of vitamin B, which supports tissue growth and stimulates appetite, and vitamin C, which boosts immunity.

Klamath Lake Daphnia are a rich source of oleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids, and their natural enrichment through their consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae provides superlative omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids for finfish and shrimp larvae.

Daphnia pulicaria are a highly nutritious aquaculture feed replacement or supplement to the worldwide erratic supplies of Artemia nauplii.

Comparison Factors in Feeding
Frozen Daphnia Pulicaria vs. Artemia Sp.

Daphnia pulicaria has only recently been commercially harvested to offer to the aquaculture industry a choice for larval feeds as an Artemia replacement or supplementation. Desert Lake Technologies (DLT) made considerable investments in proprietary harvesting and handling equipment to make this product possible. The many recent ups and downs in the availability (and price) of Artemia cysts were the motivating factors in searching for and finding a viable alternative.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
A Natural Source of Phytonutrients

Naturally occurring blue-green algae is a rich source of phytonutrients, and has been consumed by humans for centuries. In the last fifteen years, the cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have been successfully marketed in the human sector as a dietary supplement.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae contain a wide variety of phytochemicals whose biological, pharmacological, and chemoprotective properties are being extensively studied. This unique microalgae comprises a bounty of natural nutrients including chlorophyll, carotenoids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and phycocyanin, all which provide scientifically demonstrated health-promoting benefits.

The immuno-stimulant and anti-inflammatory properties of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are very important to shrimp and finfish larval culture development, especially in hatcheries where the management of viral and bacterial diseases is a major industry problem.

Use of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae in the aquaculture industry as a food supplement is relatively new, and holds great promise in stimulating immune responses in both finfish and shrimp larval culture. Empirical data suggests that a 15% inclusion in the larval diet of penaeid shrimp at the Zoea stage greatly reduces the occurrence of "Zoea Syndrome".

Refractance Window Drying
Learn about this proprietary drying method used exclusively by Desert Lake Technologies.

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