Phacus
Phacus spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: Ivan Sinkov / CC BY
Also called Leaf euglenoid
How to identify Phacus
- Under the microscope: flat, rigid, leaf shaped green cell with a pointed tail
- Often twisted, with fine lines on the surface
- One flagellum, red eyespot and large paramylon grains
- In the water: part of green or brownish green films in organic ponds
Similar species
Euglena changes shape as it moves; Lepocinclis is rigid but spindle shaped rather than flat.
Profile
| Season | Summer and fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 60 F and up |
| Light | Moderate to full sun |
| Depth | Upper water and among plants |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Stock ponds, lagoons, wetlands and plant filled ponds with lots of organic matter. |
Why it matters in a lake
Another indicator of organically rich water such as manure or decaying vegetation. Harmless.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Protozoa |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Euglenozoa |
| Class | Euglenophyceae |
| Order | Euglenales |
| Family | Phacaceae |
| Scientific name | Phacus spp. |
Euglena
Trachelomonas
Lepocinclis
Microcystis
Dolichospermum (Anabaena)Need 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.
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