Chlamydomonas
Chlamydomonas spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: CC0
Also called Green flagellate
How to identify Chlamydomonas
- Under the microscope: small oval green cells that swim fast with two equal flagella at the front
- One cup shaped chloroplast, often with a red eyespot
- In the water: blooms make the water bright green like pea soup without any scum or flakes
- Common in wastewater lagoons and stock ponds with heavy organic loading
Similar species
Euglena is larger, changes shape and has one long flagellum; Chlorella is similar sized but round and cannot swim.
Profile
| Season | Any time of year; frequent spring blooms and in ponds with manure or wastewater input. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 40 F and up |
| Light | Moderate to full sun |
| Depth | Throughout the water column; swims toward light |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division and sexual resting cysts |
| Habitat | Ponds, lagoons, stock tanks and nutrient rich lakes; also temporary puddles. |
Why it matters in a lake
A harmless green that gives water a bright green color. Big blooms show high nutrients and can swing pH and oxygen between day and night.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chlorophyta |
| Class | Chlorophyceae |
| Order | Chlamydomonadales |
| Family | Chlamydomonadaceae |
| Scientific name | Chlamydomonas spp. |
Scenedesmus
Ankistrodesmus
Oocystis
Pediastrum
Desmodesmus
Monoraphidium
Chlorella
Sphaerocystis
Cosmarium
ClosteriumNeed a hand?
Want to know what is in your water?
Lab counts of the algae in your lake show what is growing, how much and whether a bloom is coming.
Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596