Synura
Synura spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: Igor Shelpiakov / CC BY
Also called Chrysophyte
How to identify Synura
- Under the microscope: ball shaped colonies of pear shaped golden cells joined at their narrow ends
- Each cell is covered in silica scales and has two flagella
- Colonies roll and tumble as they swim
- In the water: blooms cause a strong cucumber or muskmelon odor, then fishy at high numbers
Similar species
Uroglena colonies are larger balls of many tiny naked cells; Pandorina and Eudorina are green, not golden.
Profile
| Season | Late fall, winter under ice and early spring. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 35 to 55 F |
| Light | Low to moderate light |
| Depth | Upper water column |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division and colony splitting; resting cysts |
| Habitat | Lakes, reservoirs and ponds, often clear and cool water; also under ice. |
Why it matters in a lake
One of the worst taste and odor algae for drinking water; even low numbers make cucumber or fishy smells. Not toxic.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Ochrophyta |
| Class | Synurophyceae |
| Order | Synurales |
| Family | Synuraceae |
| Scientific name | Synura spp. |
Dinobryon
Mallomonas
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