Chrysococcus
Chrysococcus spp. · Phytoplankton
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Also called Chrysophyte
How to identify Chrysococcus
- Under the microscope: tiny round golden cell inside a round brown shell with a small pore
- One flagellum poking out of the pore
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Trachelomonas has a similar shell but is larger and green inside; Kephyrion cases are vase shaped.
Profile
| Season | Spring and fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 40 to 55 F |
| Light | Low to moderate light |
| Depth | Upper water column |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Lakes and ponds, often clear and cool water. |
Why it matters in a lake
A tiny golden alga seen in low numbers in many lake counts. Harmless.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Occasional
- Oregon: Occasional
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Ochrophyta |
| Class | Chrysophyceae |
| Order | Chromulinales |
| Family | Chrysococcaceae |
| Scientific name | Chrysococcus spp. |
Dinobryon
Mallomonas
Synura
Uroglena
MicrocystisNeed 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