# Phyto — Phytoplankton Identification

> Educational app for identifying and learning about phytoplankton species. (iPhone/iPad app by Gano Technologies LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyto/id333237649 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Gano Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/333237652)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 14 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 77 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-10-07
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyto/id333237649/reviews.md

## What is Phyto?

Phyto helps you learn to identify phytoplankton and their proper pronunciation.   It includes the most common marine and freshwater phytoplankton.  

---------------------
Phyto Version 2.0 - Completely redesigned!   
---------------------
- Many new species added with more details and photos.
- Freshwater and Marine species now included
- Flash Cards and Fast Phyto: two games to help learn how to identify phytoplankton
- Species Identification Guide
- Phytoplankton Monitoring Network volunteers can submit sample observation results
- Embedded news and information browser
- Universal App: now works well on both the iPhone and iPad  (support for all screen sizes and resolutions)

-----------------
This application was developed by the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network which is sponsored by the Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research division of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

## Key features

- Phytoplankton identification guide
- Marine and freshwater species
- Flash cards for learning
- Interactive identification games
- Species details and photos
- Submit observation results

## Recent user reviews (10 of 14)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyto/id333237649/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great app

*2026-02-10*

Would love to see other common species like nanno tetra t-iso-rhodo-cryptomonas

### 5/5 — Excellent start!

*2020-09-03*

I really love the easy picture references and flash cards and pronunciations.  I just really wish there were more freshwater species included.  There’s very few but the concept is stellar.

### 4/5 — Well designed and very helpful!

*2019-02-01*

This is a great app; really helpful, and well designed. I love the flash card options and the guide progression starting with general body shape and working into more detail!

It would be really helpful to see what magnification is used for photos, and of course to see more species added to this app overall. 

However, overall this is a great app and very appreciated!!!

### 1/5 — Not opening :(

*2017-08-17*

Looks like a very useful app but it won't open once downloaded. Maybe needs to be updated. Bummer.

### 1/5 — iPhone 7 incompatible

*2017-06-08*

Downloaded this app on my iPhone and it wouldn't open. Pissss offfff

### 1/5 — Not opening

*2016-11-02*

I downloaded the app and have not been able to get it to open. It turns black screen and brings me back to the home page every time. I've deleted it and re-downloaded but still I have no luck. Any suggestions?

### 2/5 — Not enough information

*2015-08-17*

I would like a description of each specimen. A labeled drawing would also aid in identification.

### 4/5 — Useful and fun

*2012-04-21*

This is a great tool if you are in the field and don't have access to an ID guide.  Flash card game is fun if you are waiting your turn at the dentist or DMV!
Distribution range information would be a nice addition.

### 3/5 — Interesting app but would like more details

*2012-02-19*

This app has nice pictures and the pronunciation is an interesting addition but it would be so much more valuable if it also had some natural history info about the plankton and where it is found, etc.

### 4/5 — Good work

*2011-11-24*

I thought to myself this would be a good idea for an app but you guys beat me to it!

## Frequently asked questions about Phyto

### What is Phyto?

Phyto is an educational application designed to help users learn about and identify common marine and freshwater phytoplankton species. It includes detailed information, photos, and interactive learning tools.

### What learning methods does Phyto use?

Phyto employs a species identification guide, flashcards, and two games ('Flash Cards' and 'Fast Phyto') to help users learn and retain information about phytoplankton.

### Is Phyto suitable for all ages?

Phyto has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in learning about phytoplankton. Its educational content is designed to be accessible.

### Does Phyto work on both iPhone and iPad?

Yes, Phyto is a Universal App and works well on both iPhone and iPad devices, supporting all screen sizes and resolutions for a consistent user experience.

### How often is Phyto updated?

The latest version of Phyto is 2.4.0, last updated on April 20, 2025. The app has seen significant redesigns and additions of new species over time.

### Can I contribute to Phyto's data?

Volunteers for the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network can submit their sample observation results through the app, contributing to scientific data collection.

### What is the rating for Phyto?

Phyto has a high user rating of 4.8 stars, based on 5 ratings. This indicates a very positive reception from its user base.

### Does Phyto have ads?

No, Phyto does not contain advertisements. As a free application developed with support from NOAA, it provides an ad-free learning experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.4.0 — 2025-04-20

- Fixed News and Info addresses
- iOS 18 compatibility updates

### 2.3.1 — 2023-06-06

V2.3.1:
- Fixed color issues
- iPad guide spacing issue 

V2.3.0:
- Added over 50 new pictures
- Added a Glossary
- Changed name of Anabaena spp. to Dolichospermum spp.
- Added Raphidophyte type
- Added a new species: Protoceratium
- Corrected the names of Ceratium genius to Tripos for 3 species
- Changed the term Marine to Coastal as it encompasses estuarine/brackish as well as full on ocean
- Changed the sample tab to use web-based sample entry (retained legacy data in settings)
- Updated websites on the News/Info tab
- Updates and bug fixes to support the latest versions of iOS
- Changed iOS minimum to iOS 15 (from iOS 8)

### 2.3.0 — 2023-06-04

Version 2.3.0:
- Added over 50 new pictures
- Added a Glossary
- Changed name of Anabaena spp. to Dolichospermum spp.
- Added Raphidophyte type
- Added a new species: Protoceratium
- Corrected the names of Ceratium genius to Tripos for 3 species
- Changed the term Marine to Coastal as it encompasses estuarine/brackish as well as full on ocean
- Changed the sample tab to use web-based sample entry (retained legacy data in settings)
- Updated websites on the News/Info tab
- Updates and bug fixes to support the latest versions of iOS
- Changed iOS minimum to iOS 15 (from iOS 8)

### 2.2.0 — 2018-11-08

- Support for new device resolutions (iPhone XS Max, XR, iPad 11", etc.)
- iOS 12 compatibility updates

### 2.1.2 — 2017-12-22

- Corrected the toxin for Alexandrium as it is saxitoxin and not hemolysins.

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## More apps by Gano Technologies LLC

- [Mate in 1 Chess Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mate-in-1-chess-puzzles/id368403230)
- [Mate in 2 Chess Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mate-in-2-chess-puzzles/id368403957)
- [Mate in 3 Chess Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mate-in-3-chess-puzzles/id368404199)
- [Mate in 4+ Chess Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mate-in-4-plus-chess-puzzles/id368405007)
- [Chess Problems Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-problems-lite/id369822228)

All apps by Gano Technologies LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/333237652

## Related topics

[plankton](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/plankton) · [algae](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/algae)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*