Algae, Cyanobacteria, other bacteria and viruses


Algae is a photosynthetic plant that grows in water. Macroalgae are large and complex (e.g. seaweed). Microalgae are microscopic and simple, with each individual plant – or cell –  being invisible to the naked eye. Microalgae can be found in rivers, dams, lakes, waterways, and oceans. While individual cells can't be seen with the naked eye, together microalgae can grow and group together, turning the water it lives and grows in shades of green, red, and gold. In some cases, this microalgae can be bio-luminescent. (https://www.uts.edu.au/climate-change-cluster/our-research/deep-green-biotech-hub/education-and-outreach/what-algae)

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a type of microscopic, algae-like bacteria which inhabit freshwater, coastal and marine waters. Cyanobacteria photosynthesise like plants and have similar requirements for sunlight, nutrients and carbon dioxide to grow and produce oxygen. There are many different varieties of cyanobacteria. While often a green or blue-green colour, they can also be white, brown, blue, yellow-brown, or red. (https://www.waterquality.gov.au/issues/blue-green-algae)


Algae, Cyanobacteria, other bacteria and viruses

Announcements

Discussion

Heino1 wrote:
7 Nov 2024
My guess is an orange alga (genus Trentepohlia) on bleached wood.

Trentepohlia sp. (genus)
Tapirlord wrote:
18 Oct 2024
Cheers Jane

Chara sp. (genus)
18 Oct 2024
Okay !

Chara sp. (genus)
JaneR wrote:
18 Oct 2024
definitely Characeae, and probably a Chara sp. The gelatinous blobs probably contain the gametangia.

Chara sp. (genus)
Tapirlord wrote:
18 Oct 2024
Or perhaps Nitella, I agree it's an algae. The orange mass is unaffiliated, as Jason says it could be an egg sac.

Chara sp. (genus)
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