Desmodesmus
Desmodesmus spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: Petr Knotek / CC BY
Also called Scenedesmus (old name), Spiny Scenedesmus
How to identify Desmodesmus
- Under the microscope: flat rows of 2, 4 or 8 green cells side by side
- End cells usually carry long spines on the outer corners, though a few species lack them
- Cell walls may show small teeth or ridges
- In the water: adds to a general green color
Similar species
Scenedesmus has the same rows of cells but no spines; Tetrastrum and Crucigenia make square groups of four.
Profile
| Season | Spring through fall, most common in warm water. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 50 F and up |
| Light | Full sun |
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Autospores forming new colonies |
| Habitat | Nutrient rich ponds, lagoons and lakes. |
Why it matters in a lake
Spiny Scenedesmus species were moved into Desmodesmus, so lab reports may use either name. Harmless and common.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chlorophyta |
| Class | Chlorophyceae |
| Order | Sphaeropleales |
| Family | Scenedesmaceae |
| Scientific name | Desmodesmus spp. |
Chlamydomonas
Scenedesmus
Ankistrodesmus
Oocystis
Pediastrum
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