![]() ![]() If your pond or lake has a strong, unpleasant odor and algae-like mats that are viscous and slimy, you likely have a cyanobacteria bloom. They prefer shallow, warm, still water that is rich in nutrients…in other words, they thrive in unhealthy, low quality aquatic ecosystems! They typically form dense, scum-like floating mats on the water’s surface and can range in color from the characteristic blue-green to green, yellow, purple, or brown. Public domain.Īs indicated by its name, cyanobacteria, while commonly referred to as blue-green algae, is not a true algae but rather a type of bacteria that looks deceivingly similar to algae. It’s important to control the spread of green water algae before it gets to this point, with the most effective treatments being UV clarification, water dyes, and good filtration and maintenance.Ģ) Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Cyanobacteria, commonly “blue-green algae”, is not actually an algae, but a micro-organism that grows similarly on the waters surface. Conversely, as previously mentioned, too much green algae (often as a result of nutrient-rich water) can result in eutrophication, ultimately resulting in depleted oxygen levels and the death of your pond’s inhabitants, especially in warmer summer months months. In addition to providing food for a variety of creatures from fish to insects to waterfowl, green algae are also primary producers, generating oxygen and energy/nutrients that are then utilized by organisms that are unable to produce their own. Their chloroplasts contain both chlorophyll A and B, accounting for their typical bright green coloration, though they may also be various hues of yellow. These algae are present in most healthy pond and lake ecosystems, as they are at the base of the food web. Green algae, belonging to the family chlorophyta, is the most diverse group of algae encompassing over 7,000 species. Within the 8 main groups (phyla) mentioned above are dozens of smaller groups encompassing more than one million species of algae – here we will simply discuss the groups that are most common in garden ponds and lakes, with pictures to help with identification: 1) Green Water Algae Green water algae can turn ponds a “pea-soup” color, but they are also a natural and healthy food source to many different animals. Pond Algae Identification – Which Algae Is That? This is why identifying what algae is present in your pond, and taking appropriate steps to control its growth when necessary, makes up an important aspect of good pond and fish keeping. However, it is important to note that too much of any type of algae (with the exception of diatoms!) can be harmful, as they may lead to algal blooms and fish deaths. In fact, it is estimated that 25%-40% of our oxygen is manufactured by diatoms, or as much as every third breath that we breathe! Diatoms are naturally present in virtually every body of water, from the vast ocean to your little pond to moisture that has collected on a leaf, and are truly incredible microscopic organisms that are responsible for producing more oxygen than all of Earth’s rainforests combined. For example, the presence of cyanobacteria usually indicates stagnant waters with low dissolved oxygen levels and too many nutrients (most likely from fertilizer run-off), while green algae generally indicates good (or at least acceptable) water quality. ![]() Knowing the type of alga that is present in your pond is exceptionally important. Why Is Identifying Algae Important? Knowing which algae you have is important, as some types are beneficial to the ecosystem, whereas others can be harmful. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |