What is Blue-green algae?
Photosynthetic bacteria
can be unicellular, filamentous (thin and stringy or hair-like), or colonial
buoyant and will form a “scum” layer or floating mats on the water's surface
can cause blue, green, brown, or reddish-purple coloration of water
Where does it grow?
Fresh and Saltwater
Most common in freshwater
Prefers warm water
Nutrient-rich waterways, abundant in nitrogen phosphorous and rich in sunlight
It can be very toxic to humans, livestock, fish, and house pets.
Chara(Muck Grass)
What is Muck Grass?
Foul, musty – garlic-like odor giving musk grass its name Gray-green branched multi-cellular algae that is often confused with submerged flowering plants Height can range from just under an inch to about 6.5 feet Has no flower Do not extend above the water surface Often has a “grainy” or “crunchy” texture due to calcium deposits and projections resembling thorns or spines on branchlets Has cylindrical, whorled branches with 6 to 16 branchlets around each node, but no true leaves Does not have roots, but can attach itself to the bottom of waterbodies via “holdfasts” Can form dense “meadows” on bottom
What is Muck Grass?
Chara grows in shallow and deep brackish or freshwater and prefers hard or alkaline waters. Spores or fragments of Chara are spread by current or waterfowl- due to this, Chara is often an early resident in new water bodies (or water bodies that appear in wet seasons).
Pros and Cons of Muckgrass
Chara is consumed by many species of ducks and provides habitat or shelter for invertebrates and small fish. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g., amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.
Filamentous Algae
What is Filamentous Algae?
Single algae cells that form long visible chains, threads, or filaments Filaments intertwine, forming a mat that resembles wet wool
Where does it grow?
Filamentous algae start growing along the bottom in shallow water or attached to structures in the water (like rocks or other aquatic plants). Often, filamentous algae floats to the surface forming large mats, commonly called “Pond scums.” There are many species of filamentous algae, and often, more than one species will be present at the same time in the pond.
Pros and Cons of Filamentous Algae
Filamentous algae have no known direct food value to wildlife. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates (i.e. bugs, worms, etc.). These invertebrates, in turn, are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.
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