Which blob strain should I choose: Major Tom or Australian Physarum?
Major Tom (the strain sent to the ISS with Thomas Pesquet) or the Australian Physarum polycephalum? An honest comparison of the two strains available at BlobFarm — same species, same price, the strain is a free variant.
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At BlobFarm, you choose your blob strain — and here's the good news: the kit price is the same regardless of the strain. Choosing a strain is free and simple. Here are the two available options to help you find the one that suits you best.
First of all, what is a blob "strain"?
A "strain" is a blob lineage derived from the same sample taken in nature, then cultivated in a laboratory. Two strains of the same species may share most of their DNA while showing slight variations — network density, hue, and exploration style.
1. Major Tom — our heroine (the one from the ISS 🚀)
This is the strain of Physarum polycephalum (reference LU352) sent to the International Space Station by CNES as part of the "Raise your blob" educational project (2021). Four sclerotia arrived on board via the Cygnus cargo ship on August 12, 2021, and Thomas Pesquet woke them up on September 2, 2021. On the ground, about 4,500 schools applied, and nearly 2,000 were selected to conduct the experiment in parallel.
For whom?
- Beginners: robust, reliable awakening, classic bright yellow
- Those who want the history behind the blob (space, educational)
2. Australian Physarum polycephalum — the isolate from the end of the world
An Australian isolate of the same species as Major Tom (Physarum polycephalum). Same species, different origin — perfect for observing the slight variations between one lineage and another.
For whom?
- Collectors who want several lineages of the same species
- Those who love the idea of a blob that came from the other hemisphere
What if I want to compare both strains?
This is the most revealing experiment: two dishes, two strains, same conditions. Just remember to keep your dishes between 19 and 25 °C and to feed them the same way (same number of oat flakes, same day) — otherwise you are comparing the temperature of your living room, not the strains. Below 18 °C, everything slows down.
Good to know: from 2 kits upwards, the Duo Blob discount (−10%) is applied automatically in the cart — nothing to enter.
The comparison at a glance
| Major Tom | Australian Physarum | |
|---|---|---|
| History | Strain sent to the ISS with Thomas Pesquet in 2021 (CNES) | Australian isolate of the same species |
| Color | Classic bright yellow | Similar yellow, slight variation depending on the batch |
| Robustness | Reliable awakening, reference for beginners | Just as solid, less well-known to the general public |
| For whom? | 1st time, gift | Collector, want to compare |
| Our rec | ⭐ For beginners | For your 2nd dish |
So, which one to choose?
- 1st time or gift? Major Tom, without a second thought.
- Already a fan and want to compare? The Australian Physarum.
