Elakatothrix
Elakatothrix spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: Brandon Corder / CC BY
How to identify Elakatothrix
- Under the microscope: spindle shaped green cells lined up end to end in pairs or small groups inside a long jelly sheath
- Cells pointed at the outer ends
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Ankistrodesmus cells are needle shaped without a jelly sheath; Schroederia has a long spine at each end.
Profile
| Season | Spring through fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 50 F and up |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Lakes and ponds, often clear to moderately nutrient rich water. |
Why it matters in a lake
A harmless green often seen in low numbers in lake counts.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Charophyta |
| Class | Klebsormidiophyceae |
| Order | Klebsormidiales |
| Family | Elakatotrichaceae |
| Scientific name | Elakatothrix 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