Nannochloropsis spp., Porphyridium cruentum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chaetoceros calcitrans have been reported as the best EPA producing microalgae, while Isochrysis galbana and Cryptecodinium spp. are more suitable for extraction of DHA.
However, many algal species that have the ability to produce high amount of PUFA are obligate phototrophs and, in many cases, applying technologically advanced bioreactors for culturing those species make it cost-prohibitive for commercial production.
In this regard, heterotrophic algal species offer added advantage as they can be grown in conventional fermenters to achieve high biomass in the absence of light.