Aphanothece
Aphanothece spp. · Phytoplankton
Example of a cyanobacteria bloom (the kind in this photo isn’t confirmed) · Photo: CC0
How to identify Aphanothece
- Under the microscope: small oval or rod shaped cells scattered through clear jelly
- Colonies shapeless, small to large
- Pale blue green, no gas vesicles
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Aphanocapsa cells are round rather than rod shaped; Microcystis cells are larger, darker and densely packed.
Profile
| Season | Summer and fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 55 F and up |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Colony breakup and cell division |
| Habitat | Lakes, ponds and reservoirs, including clear mountain lakes. |
Why it matters in a lake
A common, small blue green that adds cell numbers to counts but little biomass.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Cyanobacteria |
| Class | Cyanophyceae |
| Order | Chroococcales |
| Family | Microcystaceae |
| Scientific name | Aphanothece spp. |
Microcystis
Dolichospermum (Anabaena)
Aphanizomenon
Pseudanabaena
Aphanocapsa
Planktothrix
Chroococcus
Merismopedia
Woronichinia
LimnothrixNeed a hand?
Worried about a bloom?
We identify algae under the microscope and test for cyanotoxins, so you know what is in the water and whether it is safe.
Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596