Tribonema
Tribonema spp. · Algae
Under the microscope · Photo: Thomas Gyselinck / CC BY
Also called Yellow green algae, Filamentous algae, Pond scum
How to identify Tribonema
- Pale yellow green, soft strands or clouds
- Unbranched threads
- Less bright green than Spirogyra
- Often found in cool water in early spring
Similar species
Spirogyra and Mougeotia are greener and slimier; a microscope is needed to confirm.
Growth profile
| Season | Most common in early spring and late fall, fading in summer. |
|---|---|
| Starts | Cool water, about 40 to 50 F |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Near the bottom or floating in clouds |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Fragments and resting spores |
| Habitat | Ponds, ditches and wetlands, often cool, shallow and slightly acidic or soft water. |
Why it matters in a lake
A cool season pond scum. Usually disappears as water warms.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Occasional
- Oregon: Occasional
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Ochrophyta |
| Class | Xanthophyceae |
| Order | Tribonematales |
| Family | Tribonemataceae |
| Scientific name | Tribonema spp. |
Spirogyra
Cladophora
Horsehair algae
Oedogonium
Rhizoclonium
Water net
Water felt
Mougeotia
Zygnema
MicrosporaNeed a hand?
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