Ochromonas
Ochromonas spp. · Phytoplankton
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Also called Chrysophyte
How to identify Ochromonas
- Under the microscope: small round golden cells with one long and one short flagellum
- No shell or scales; shape changes slightly
- Often contain eaten bacteria or food vacuoles
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Mallomonas has silica scales and bristles; Cryptomonas has a groove and two equal flagella.
Profile
| Season | Year round, often spring and fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | Any temperature |
| Light | Low light; feeds on bacteria |
| Depth | Throughout the water column |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division and cysts |
| Habitat | Lakes and ponds of all kinds; common in cool water. |
Why it matters in a lake
A small golden flagellate that eats bacteria as well as using light. Common in counts and harmless, though large numbers can add fishy odors.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Ochrophyta |
| Class | Chrysophyceae |
| Order | Ochromonadales |
| Family | Ochromonadaceae |
| Scientific name | Ochromonas 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