Spirulina (genus)

Spirulina is a genus of cyanobacteria, which is also considered blue-green algae. Cyanoprokaryote is also a name which could be used.

Spirulina captures energy from sunlight and transforms it into what it needs. So, in that way, it acts more like an alga than a bacterium.

Uses

Spirulina and Hematococus microalgae for aquaculture feed additives and human nutritional supplements and health foods were the leading species in total value .

Its members are not used as dietary supplements as those of Arthrospira are.

In its processed form it can be used to provide a blue food colourant. It is used as such in the manufacture of the British sweet, Smarties.

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