⚖️ UK Legal Notice: This guide is for learning and research only. Psilocybe cubensis spores do not have psilocybin or psilocin in them, so they are legal to buy in the UK for research under a microscope. Growing Psilocybe cubensis from spores is illegal under UK law (the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971). Always follow UK law. See our 2026 UK Legal Guide for more.
⚡ Quick Answer
Tidal Wave is a variant of Psilocybe cubensis, created by crossing two well-known parent strains — B+ and Penis Envy — first bred and stabilised by Doma Nunzio of Magic Myco. This mixed background is what makes it interesting: it combines traits from two parent strains, including Penis Envy, which is known for low spore output. The spores measure about 11.5–17 µm long and 6–11.5 µm wide (Singer & Smith, 1958; Batista et al., 2025), the normal range for P. cubensis. This guide covers where the strain came from, what its spores look like, how it compares to other strains, and how to store your syringe correctly.11.5–17 µmSpore length — standard for cubensis
HybridCreated by crossing two parent strains
400xSmallest zoom to see spores clearly
IntermediateHow hard it is to study
Jump to a section
1. Where Tidal Wave Came From
2. What the Spores Look Like
3. Why the Hybrid Background Matters
4. Comparing It to Other Strains
5. How to Prepare a Slide
6. How to Store It
FAQ1. Where Did Tidal Wave Come From?
Tidal Wave is a cultivar — a specific variety — of Psilocybe cubensis, the same species as Golden Teacher, B+, and every other named cubensis strain. What makes it different is how it was made: it's a deliberate cross between two well-known parent strains, B+ and Penis Envy, first bred and stabilised by Doma Nunzio of Magic Myco.Crossing two strains means combining traits from both parents into one new strain. In Tidal Wave's case, Penis Envy contributes its thick stems and dense structure, while B+ contributes strong, reliable growth and good yields. The result is a strain that inherits characteristics from both sides rather than tracing back to a single unbroken line.
ℹ️ Key Science Fact — Tidal Wave, Golden Teacher, B+, and Penis Envy are all the exact same species: Psilocybe cubensis. Being a cross between two parent strains doesn't change that — Tidal Wave's genetics just combine traits from both B+ and Penis Envy rather than coming from one single line.
2. What Tidal Wave Spores Look Like Under the Microscope
Tidal Wave spores share the same basic features as any cubensis spore — a dark colour and a visible germ pore (a small thin spot on the spore where it would sprout from) — and you should record what you actually see from spore to spore.Size
11.5–17 × 6–11.5 µm
Similar range to B+. Clearly visible at 400x, with fine detail visible at 1000x with oil.
Shape
Ellipsoid
Ellipsoid in side view, and some look slightly six-sided face-on (Batista et al., 2025).
Colour
Dark Purple-Brown
Standard cubensis colour, giving good contrast under normal microscope lighting.
Wall
Standard Thickness
Thick and smooth, like all P. cubensis spores (Wartchow et al., 2007).
Germ Pore
Clear and Easy to See
Visible at 1000x with oil, similar in size to other common cubensis strains.
Spore Drop
Moderate to High
B+ is known for very high spore yield, which helps balance out Penis Envy's naturally low yield — a trait of the mushroom's spore print, not of the syringe.
Spore-to-Spore Variation: What We Know
No published study has compared spores between strains, so any claim that Tidal Wave spores vary more than Golden Teacher's is unconfirmed. Measure 15–20 spores and record what you actually see.
✅ What to Look for First — If your spores look very uneven, check your preparation first: clumping, debris or contamination can all look like variation. Then record the range you actually see.
3. Why Does the Hybrid Background Matter for Research?
Two Genetic Lines Combined
Since it comes from two parent strains, Tidal Wave gives you a chance to compare a deliberate cross with single-line strains.Good for Variation Studies
Useful if you're specifically interested in comparing consistency between single-line strains and deliberately crossed strains.Intermediate, Not Advanced
The basic size and shape are similar to B+, so it's manageable without advanced technique.A Good Second or Third Strain
Once you're comfortable with a beginner strain like Golden Teacher, Tidal Wave is a natural next step.4. How Tidal Wave Compares to Other UK Strains
| Strain | Spore Drop | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal Wave | Moderate–High | Intermediate | Studying hybrid genetics |
| B+ | Very High | Beginner | Comparing with Golden Teacher |
| Golden Teacher | Very High | Beginner | Your first ever slide |
| Blue Meanies | Moderate | Intermediate | Comparing strains |
Tidal Wave vs B+ — One of Its Own Parents
Both strains share a very similar size range, which makes sense since B+ is one of Tidal Wave's two parent strains. Any difference in consistency between them is unconfirmed.Tidal Wave vs Penis Envy — Its Other Parent
Penis Envy is Tidal Wave's second parent strain. Comparing the two side by side is a good way to see how a hybrid can pick up traits from each parent.5. How to Prepare a Tidal Wave Slide
Slide prep for Tidal Wave follows the same basic process as other cubensis strains, so measure 15–20 spores, as with any strain.What You'll Need
- A microscope — 400x zoom at least, 1000x with oil is even better
- Glass slides (25×75mm)
- Coverslips (small glass squares that go on top, #1.5, 0.17mm thick)
- Type B immersion oil, for the 1000x zoom
- Alcohol wipes and lens tissue, for cleaning
- Your Tidal Wave spore syringe
- A notebook to write down what you see
1
Clean your slide — Wipe it with alcohol and lens tissue, then let it dry fully before you use it.
2
Mix the syringe well — Roll it in your hands and give the syringe a good shake to spread the spores evenly.
3
Add one small drop — About 0.05ml, right in the middle of the slide.
4
Put the coverslip on at an angle — Tilt it to about 45 degrees and lower it slowly to avoid bubbles.
5
Scan at 400x — Look at a good number of spores rather than just one or two, since a single spore never tells the whole story.
6
Switch to 1000x with oil — This is where fine detail like the germ pore and wall become clear.
⚠️ One Thing to Remember — Always put the needle cap back on right after use. This applies to every strain, and helps stop contamination getting in.
6. How to Store Your Tidal Wave Spore Syringe
Standard storage rules apply — nothing about the hybrid background changes how you should keep it.| What | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Keep it at 2–8°C (a normal fridge) | Slows down germs without harming the spores |
| Freezing | Never freeze it | Ice damages the spores for good |
| Light | Keep it in the dark | Light slowly wears the spores down over time |
| Where | Store in a clean place in the fridge | Keeps the syringe cold and clean |
| How long it lasts | 12–18 months if stored well | After that, the spores start to break down |
✅ Before Each Use — Take the syringe out of the fridge 24 hours before use to reach room temperature, then give it a good shake before use, just like any other strain.
Ready to Get Started?
Tripping Store's Tidal Wave spore syringes are made under clean, sterile conditions in the UK — giving you an interesting hybrid strain to add once you've got the basics down.Frequently Asked Questions
QIs Tidal Wave legal to buy in the UK?
Yes. Tidal Wave spore syringes are legal to buy and own in the UK for research under a microscope, since spores don't contain psilocybin.
QWhat are Tidal Wave's parent strains?
Tidal Wave was created by crossing B+ and Penis Envy, first bred and stabilised by Doma Nunzio of Magic Myco. It inherits thick stems and dense structure from Penis Envy, and strong, reliable growth from B+.
QWhat makes Tidal Wave different from other strains?
It's a deliberate cross between two parent strains rather than a single natural line.
QHow big are Tidal Wave spores?
About 11.5–17 µm long and 6–11.5 µm wide, the normal range for P. cubensis, the same as B+ and every other strain.
QIs Tidal Wave good for beginners?
It's manageable but usually better as a second or third strain rather than your very first. It's easier to make sense of once you're familiar with a beginner strain like Golden Teacher.
QDo Tidal Wave spores vary more than other strains?
No published study has compared spores between strains, so this is unconfirmed. If your spores look very uneven, check your preparation first.
QHow long does a Tidal Wave spore syringe last?
If you store it right, in the fridge at 2–8°C, it should stay usable for 12–18 months.
QDo you ship Tidal Wave spore syringes worldwide?
Yes, we ship across the UK and internationally, with discreet, tracked packaging.
