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.

Rhodophyta

Batrachospermum sp.

Division: Rhodophyta

Identification:
Field:  A jelly like mass with visible branches. Will range in color from red, brown, to gray.
Microscopically:  Contains a thick center filament with whorls.  Is easily identified by using a low power microscope.  Individual branches will contain round cells. 
Habitat:  Can be found in cool clean streams that are often spring fed.


Bacillariophyta

Melosira sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
 Field:  Will often be found mixed with other forms of algae.  When alone will form fluffy brown masses.  Hard to identify in the field.
Microscopically:  Cylindrical filaments , with cells almost as wide as they are long.  Will contain brown chloroplast that resembles a jigsaw puzzle.
Habitat:  Is found within streams that are slow to medium in flow. 
Facts:   When Melosira dominates the algae community, it indicates an enriched site. 

Asterionella sp. 

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  No method for identification in the field.
Microscopically:  An araphid genus, with long thin cells. Cells inflated at one or both ends. Often forms a star shape.
Habitat:  Most common to lakes and lake fed streams.
Facts:  Species identification: Asterionella formosa  

Cocconeis sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
 Field:  Forms brown encrusting over other algae.
Microscopically:  A monoraphid diatom. Oval in shape.
Habitat:  Epiphtic, on filamentous algae. Can be a sign of high conductivity to enrichment.
Facts:  Will dominate periphytin following storm event, due to flattened shape it can withstand high flow conditions.  
  

Epithemia sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  No method for identification in the field.
Microscopically:  Has an external raph. Raph runs along the bottom concave.Edge of valve will turn up. 
Habitat:  Will be found in enriched streams, to streams with high conductivity. 
Facts:  Cells will contain symbiotic cyanobacteria.

Encyonema sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

Identification:
Field:  Forms an extensive mat of Light brown. 
Microscopically:  A biraphed asymmetric diatom. Half moon shaped. 
Habitat:  Will be abundant in streams that drain from developed catchments. to clean waters.  
Facts:  Chloroplast within diatom will be almost H shaped.

Eunotia sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  Single celled diatom, can’t distinguish in the field. 
Microscopically:  Mostly variations of a crescent shape.
Habitat:  Common to streams and lakes. Found in relatively clean waters. 
Facts:   Can form filaments that can be confused with Fragilaria sp.

Fragilaria sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  No method for identification in the field.
Microscopically:  Forms ribbon like colonies. An elongated chloroplast lies against the face of each valve.  
Habitat:  Common, found in a range of conditions.
Facts:  Single cells cannot be distinguished from Synedra sp. 

Frustulia sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  No method for identification in the field.
Microscopically:  Symmetrical biraphed genus. Raph appears to lie in a channel. Two chloroplasts, extending across the valve face.  
Habitat:  Most common to streams. Can be found in clean water lakes. 
Facts:  Some species form filaments of cells in mucilage tubes. 

Gomphonema sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  No method for identification in the field.
Microscopically:  Biraphed, longitudinal asymmetry  is a common feature. Will sometimes grow in masses from a mucilage stalk.
Habitat:  Some species can indicate pollution. Widespread, and common.   
Facts:  There are many species within this genus.

Meridion sp.

Division: Bacillariophyta

 Identification:
Field:  No method for identification in the field.
Microscopically:  Forms semi-circular colonies. Several small chloroplasts dotted within cell.
Habitat:  Prefers cool clean streams. 
Facts:   Small genus, one main species Meridion circulare

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.