Filamentous green algae forms green, cottony masses that are free-floating or attached to rocks, debris, or other plants. It consists of fine, green filaments that have no leaves, roots, stems, or flowers. They often form dense mats. On warm, sunny days, they commonly float when bubbles, generated by the plant or created by its decay, get trapped in the mats and make them buoyant. The three genera listed below are examples.Cladophora feels cottony and can form balls that float when the core decays; magnification reveals long, slender cells and a branching habit.Pithophora is sometimes called “horsehair algae” because of its coarse texture, which can feel like steel wool.Spirogyra is bright green and slimy; magnification reveals the chlorophyll-bearing pigments are shaped as spirals; the filaments do not branch.Note: Not all types of green algae are filamentous; they occur in an great variety of forms, including single cells and colonies.
FS1231: Filamentous Algae in Waterways (Rutgers NJAES)
Floating Crystalwort (Slender Riccia)
Duckweeds (Watermeal) Missouri Department of Conservation
Cyanobacteria vs Filamentous Green Algae
dense covering of bright filamentous green alga algae with masses of trapped bubbles oxygen gas methane rotting vegetation below Stock Photo - Alamy
Chara (Muskgrass; Stonewort) Missouri Department of Conservation, chara
December, 2009
Scum filled with bubbles along a pond edge.
Types of Pond Algae
Best 16 Fish That Eat Algae In Ponds – Living Water Aeration
Mexican Mosquito Fern Missouri Department of Conservation
Blanket algae hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy
Chara (Muskgrass; Stonewort) Missouri Department of Conservation, chara
Pond Scum Isn't Always Algae
