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Golden Algae

Prymnesium parvum

Non-Native

golden algae on fish tail
golden algae on fish scales
diagram of golden algae

golden algae filling water
golden algae on fish
stream filled with fish killed by golden algae

What is Golden Algae?

Physical Characteristics

  • Microscopic and floating (about the size of a human red blood cell)
  • Oval or elliptical shape, single cell alga
  • Has two hair-like short tails used for swimming and to attach to things, two saddle-shaped chloroplasts
  • Often blooms in large numbers
  • Sometimes gives the water a golden color when the golden algae blooms and cause oxygen depletion.

Non-Native

Where Does it Grow?

EDDMapS. 2024. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed January 17, 2024.

Is it Invasive?

Golden algae is non-native. It often exists as one specie in a mix of many species inhabiting a water body and cause no obvious problem. However, at times this golden algae blooms in large numbers and release toxins that cause fish kills. Dying fish typically show bleeding of the gills, fins, and scales and behave as if there is an oxygen deletion. Golden alga blooms, however, seldom cause dissolved oxygen depletions. Sometimes but not always, the water has a “golden” color when this happens and thus the common name. P. parvum has not been shown to be toxic to other animals (wildlife, livestock, or humans).

For more information about this golden alga, its distribution in Texas and its impacts see the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site at: http://tpwd.texas.gov

This plant is not native to North America and should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.

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Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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