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Spirogyra

Spirogyra

Photo by thebiologista
Published on Project Noah
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21.8824, -102.295

Field Notes

Description:

Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae of the order Zygnematales, named for the helical or spiral arrangement of the chloroplasts that is diagnostic of the genus. It is commonly found in freshwater areas, and there are more than 400 species of Spirogyra in the world. Spirogyra measures approximately 10 to 100μm in width and may stretch centimeters long.

Habitat:

Spirogyra is very common in relatively clean eutrophic water, developing slimy filamentous green masses. In spring Spirogyra grows under water, but when there is enough sunlight and warmth they produce large amounts of oxygen, adhering as bubbles between the tangled filaments.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
Mark Ridgway
Magnificent. What a beautiful world at this scale. I suppose the mathematics behind these spirals would be fascinating. Thanks!
Mark Ridgway
Beautiful. Can you tell us something about it? Is is a land-based thing or from a stream or pond or lake? What size are we looking at here?

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Microscopic Life
Photographed
PublishedApril 4, 2014

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