Common Algae of the Northeast (Part 3) Cyanobacteria Identification

Exert from final thesis: Common Algae of the Lake George Watershed, 2008 ;   Future posts will include further identification of common algal forms of the Northeast United States.

 

Anabaena sp.

Division: Cyanobacteria

Identification:

Field:  No distinguishing features.  May form a toxic bloom.

Microscopically:  Un-branched trichomes. Cells are granular and resemble a necklace. 

Habitat:  Found in a range of habitats.  

Facts:   Can cause sever toxic blooms. 

 

 

 

Nostoc sp.

Division: Cyanobacteria

 Identification:

 Field:  Irregularly shaped or rounded.  Clear to yellow-brown in color. 

Microscopically:  Twisted little filaments. Un-branched, forming small chains.  Bead like rounded cells. 

Habitat:  Found in fast flowing streams, attached to rocky substrates. 

Facts:   Can grow on damp soils.

 

Phormidium sp.

Division: Cyanobacteria

Identification:

Field:  Forms mats on available substrates. These mats will range from jelly-like to leather like.  The color will range from green, blue to black. 

Microscopically:  Trichomes are waved. Will contain sheaths.  Move with a waving or trembling action.  Cells are boxlike with no heterocysts.

Habitat:  Widespread within streams, most common algae identified in North America.

Facts:   Can be found in hot springs and deserts.  

Rivularia sp.

Division: Cyanobacteria

 Identification:

Field:  Small dark, almost cotton ball like masses.  Can be found attached to a substrate or free floating.  Feels firm to touch.

Microscopically:  Colonies of short tapering trichomes.  Each trichome is enclosed in a sheath and a heterocyst is located at the base. 

Habitat:  Will colonize in clear unpolluted water. Found attached to rocky substrates. 

Facts: Can be Confused with Gloeotrichia sp. which has a akinete next to the heterocyst.    

 

Tolypothrix sp.

Division: Cyanobacteria

 Identification:

 Field:  Will form tangled clumps that range from yellow to brown.  Will be found mixed with other algae. 

Microscopically:  Long straight, trichomes. Cells are barrel shaped.  Has false branching that arise just below a heterocyst. 

Habitat:  Is more likely to be found in lakes than streams. Is a clean water species. 

Facts:   Can be found in spring fed streams.

Future post will include further identification of common algal forms  found within the Northeast United States.  

Please feel free to contact me.  Corrina Parnapy: corrinaparnapy@yahoo.com, (518) 791-3256.  

I am currently seeking a position in Vermont/ New Hampshire/ Mass.