Selenastrum
Selenastrum spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: CC0
How to identify Selenastrum
- Under the microscope: crescent or moon shaped green cells clustered with their curved backs together
- Groups of 4 to 16 cells, no jelly
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Kirchneriella cells sit in jelly; Monoraphidium crescents are single.
Profile
| Season | Summer and fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 55 F and up |
| Light | Full sun |
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Autospores |
| Habitat | Ponds, lagoons and nutrient rich lakes. |
Why it matters in a lake
A common green of nutrient rich water. The standard lab test alga long sold as Selenastrum capricornutum has been moved to another genus and is now called Raphidocelis subcapitata. Harmless.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chlorophyta |
| Class | Chlorophyceae |
| Order | Sphaeropleales |
| Family | Selenastraceae |
| Scientific name | Selenastrum 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