New guide to Cyanobacteria

[Meyer Jordan]

A quite complete pictorial guide to Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) just released. Even though Alaska and Native Americans are the target audience. This information is applicable to most ponds world-wide.A great reference document.

http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20151164

 

[Troutredds]

Great reference guide, Meyer. I find it interesting that some members of the genus Anthrospira (formerly classified as genus Spirulina) are consumed for their health benefits. The cyanobacterium A. platensis, in particular, is a dietary source of protein, vitamins and trace minerals.
In other words, not all cyanobacteria are harmful. On the contrary - you will find the platensis species represented in the ingredient statement of most commercially produced fish food, under the generic name "spirulina". The Cyanophyceae family is both harmful AND beneficial. Kind of like the human race, huh?

 

[peter hillman]

That stringy Green algae, Mougeotia sp. Took over my pond for a season, very very difficult to remove. And now I know the name of it.