Microcystis aeruginosa

Species: Microcystis aeruginosa

English Name: Microcystis aeruginosa

Chinese Name: 銅綠微囊藻

Family: Microcystaceae

Description:

A species of freshwater cyanobacteria which can form harmful algal blooms (HABs) that are of economic and ecological importance. They are the most common toxic cyanobacterial bloom in eutrophic freshwater. Characterized by small cells (of only a few micrometers diameter), which lack individual sheaths. Cells usually are organized into colonies (large colonies of which may be viewed with the naked eye) that begin in a spherical shape, but losing their coherence to become perforated or irregularly shaped over time. The coloration of the protoplast is a light blue-green, appearing dark or brown due to optical effects of gas-filled vesicles.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:

– Atlas of Common Harmful Freshwater Algae in Macau (2011), written by Qiu Yi Jian, Ung Wai Kin, and Kong Yi Jun, Editor-In-Chief: Fan Xiao Jun, Macau University of Science and Technology Publishing, ISBN: 978-99937-53-24-7

Search

Popular Posts

Chinese Horseshoe Bat

Chinese name: 中華菊頭蝠Family: 菊頭蝠科 RhinolophidaeScientific name: Rhinolophus sinicusConservation status: Habitat: Cave and forests Description:This is a small to medium-sized bat species found in East Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in echolocation. Its fur is typically brown or gray. This species inhabits caves, forests, and sometimes buildings, often roosting in…
Least Horseshoe Bat

Chinese name: 小菊頭蝠Family: 菊頭蝠科 RhinolophidaeScientific name: Rhinolophus pusillusConservation status: 無危Habitat: Cave and forests Description:This is a small bat species found in South and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in echolocation. Its fur is typically brown or gray. This species inhabits caves, forests, and sometimes buildings, often roosting in small…
Intermediate Horseshoe Bat

Chinese name: 中菊頭蝠Family: 菊頭蝠科 RhinolophidaeScientific name: Rhinolophus affinisConservation status: Habitat: Cave and forests Description:This is a medium-sized bat species found in South and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in echolocation. Its fur is typically brown or gray. This species inhabits caves, forests, and sometimes buildings, often roosting in…