0 a type of blue-green algae (= very simple, usually small plants that grow in or near water and do not have ordinary leaves or roots) growing in large masses in areas of warm water: --
Spirulina thrives in open systems and commercial growers have found it well-suited to cultivation.
Many commercial producers of spirulina still use raceway ponds as their primary method of cultivation.
Heavy-metal contamination of spirulina supplements has also raised concern.
There are several superb vegetable flakes that are available in all shops based on spirulina and other vegetable matters.
Spirulina is high in protein and other nutrients, finding use as a food supplement and for malnutrition.
Today millions of health conscious people enjoy the health benefits of spirulina in myriad products worldwide.
Common variants replace part of the shrimp or peas with fish meat, spinach, spirulina, or mussel meat, and add astaxanthin, ascorbic acid, or garlic.
In particular, it needs a source of spirulina to regularly graze from, and achieves a respectable size of 30cm (12 inches).