Scenedesmus quadricauda, is a quick growing green algae ideal for pollution, eutrophication and photosynthesis investigations, such as the popular 'algae wrapped in jelly balls' experiment (See SAPS' website for free resources about the algae balls practical, including a post-16 version, video and support). Scenedesmus is an excellent example of a typical planktonic algae, they are non-motile and consist of 2 to 4 cells arranged in a row.

Division/Phylum: Chlorophyta
Class: Chlorophyceae
Order: Sphaeropleales
CCAP Ref: CCAP 276/16
Required Medium: General Freshwater Algal Medium or SAPS' DIY Recipe 
Environment: Freshwater

All bottle sizes contain the same Scenedesmus quadricauda culture - the only difference is the quantity supplied:

• If purchasing for the algae balls practical, the 30ml sample is a cost effective option if you have time to culture the algae yourself (allow 2-3 weeks to grow sufficient enough for a class)
• The 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml bottles provide a larger volume that is ready to use immediately, with the 100ml size supplying enough algae for a full class set of algal balls (around 3600 balls)
• We also offer ready-made algae balls

Store at room temperature (14-24°C) away from direct sunlight. For longer term storage sample can be refrigerated. Shake before pipetting onto slide & viewing under microscope.

Darwin Biological's algae and protozoa samples are produced in partnership with the Culture Collection of Algae & Protozoa (CCAP) and are only available for UK schools and colleges to purchase. Please visit https://www.ccap.ac.uk/ to purchase if you are a university or commercial customer, or are outside of the UK.

Photosynthesis Kit

This Scenedesmus culture is also available from the National Centre for Biotechnology Education (NCBE) based at the University of Reading as part of their Photosynthesis Kit, developed with SAPS (Science & Plants for Schools).

If you already have the kit and just require replacement algae, then this is the product for you! We recommend you purchase the 30ml bottle, it will take 2-3 weeks to grow to the needed quantity so please order in plenty of time. Short on time? Go for the 100ml or 250ml bottle for algae that is ready to use.

Upon receipt, loosen cap. Store algae between 10-24°C, 20°C is perfect. Regarding light, ensure the culture is kept out of direct sunlight, ideally near a north facing window provided the temperature doesn't drop/rise too much.

We recommend you use the algae within 1 week of delivery if you do not intend to grow on. To grow on please see the instructions for the specific algae/protozoa you are purchasing, all are sent with instructions. We offer ready made vials of both freshwater and marine growth medium.

Mainland Britain

Our UK mainland delivery charges are as follows: (All figures are exc. VAT)

For next day delivery, please order by 1pm, item must be in stock. All stock levels are shown on the web, if showing as out of stock or prepared to order and required urgently, please contact us as we may have stock! Next day orders are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery which is a signed for service, please ensure someone is available.

Drosophila are always dispatched on a Monday, please advise when ordering your preferred delivery week.

Our working hours are 9am - 3pm Monday - Thursday, 9am - 12pm Friday. Orders received outside these hours will be processed the next working day; orders are only dispatched Monday-Thursday (Monday-Wednesday for perishable items). Hours vary during school holidays but we are usually available via email.

*Autumn Half Term Closure: 21st - 28th October 2026 Inclusive*

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Northern Ireland

Sadly, due to the UK leaving the EU, we can no longer supply Northern Irish customers with any products the have codes starting with an 'L' or 'P'. This is due to the requirement for all live or preserved products to have an import licence specific to the customer purchasing and the product being purchased. As each licence takes 2 weeks to obtain, and involves a considerable amount of paperwork, we have made the difficult decision to stop offering these products to Northern Irish customers. We can still offer equipment, i.e. products with an 'E' code, as these simply require customs documentation.

We apologise for the inconvenience and if the legislation changes we will happily review our decision.

British Islands

Delivery charges to the Isle of Man, Channel Islands (including Jersey & Guernsey), Shetland, Orkney and all the other islands we've missed, are the same as to mainland Britain (see above). The main difference is that delivery is likely to take a little longer, and for this reason we cannot guarantee next day delivery.

In addition, we cannot ship any liquids, so any 'wet' specimen ordered will be sent vacuum packed rather than in a jar.

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