Crucigenia
Crucigenia spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: CC0
How to identify Crucigenia
- Under the microscope: four green cells arranged in a square or diamond around a small center gap
- Groups of four often joined into flat plates of 16 or more
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Merismopedia is a blue green grid of many tiny cells; Tetrastrum looks similar but has spines.
Profile
| Season | Summer and fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 55 F and up |
| Light | Moderate to full sun |
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Autospores |
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes and lagoons with moderate to high nutrients. |
Why it matters in a lake
A harmless colonial green common in nutrient rich ponds.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chlorophyta |
| Class | Chlorophyceae |
| Order | Sphaeropleales |
| Family | Scenedesmaceae |
| Scientific name | Crucigenia spp. |
Chlamydomonas
Scenedesmus
Ankistrodesmus
Oocystis
Pediastrum
Desmodesmus
Monoraphidium
Chlorella
Sphaerocystis
CosmariumNeed 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