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Plant
Identification
Filamentous Algae
 Description Management
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Photos
Spirogyra,
Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Pithophora spp.,
etc.
Filamentous algae are
single algae cells that form long visible chains, threads, or
filaments. These filaments intertwine forming a mat that resembles
wet wool. Filamentous algae starts 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, which are commonly referred to as "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.
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. Filamentous algae has no known direct
food value to wildlife.
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" indicates Non-Native plants.