Algae, Cyanobacteria, other bacteria and viruses


Algae is a photosynthetic plant that grows in water. Macroalgae are large and complex (e.g. seaweed). Microalgae are microscopic and simple, with each individual plant – or cell –  being invisible to the naked eye. Microalgae can be found in rivers, dams, lakes, waterways, and oceans. While individual cells can't be seen with the naked eye, together microalgae can grow and group together, turning the water it lives and grows in shades of green, red, and gold. In some cases, this microalgae can be bio-luminescent. (https://www.uts.edu.au/climate-change-cluster/our-research/deep-green-biotech-hub/education-and-outreach/what-algae)

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a type of microscopic, algae-like bacteria which inhabit freshwater, coastal and marine waters. Cyanobacteria photosynthesise like plants and have similar requirements for sunlight, nutrients and carbon dioxide to grow and produce oxygen. There are many different varieties of cyanobacteria. While often a green or blue-green colour, they can also be white, brown, blue, yellow-brown, or red. (https://www.waterquality.gov.au/issues/blue-green-algae)


Algae, Cyanobacteria, other bacteria and viruses

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Discussion

Tapirlord wrote:
3 Apr 2025
Alagae I think

Chara sp. (genus)
Teresa wrote:
29 Mar 2025
Image 1 appears to be a species of Nostoc, a cyanobacterim, often appear after recent rainfall.
Images 2 & 3 have the appearance of knobbly development of a fungal species.
These do not appear to be a myxomycete at this stage but I hope you will continue searching, many thanks.

Nostoc sp. (genus)
Maren wrote:
23 Jan 2025
Ah, ok thanks

Alga / Cyanobacterium
wombey wrote:
22 Jan 2025
No, not frog eggs. I think just algae?

Alga / Cyanobacterium
Heino1 wrote:
7 Nov 2024
My guess is an orange alga (genus Trentepohlia) on bleached wood.

Trentepohlia sp. (genus)
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