Blue Green Algae

Other Common Names:

(Anabaena, Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Plectonema, Polycystis)

Blue green algae can be green, brown, or reddish purple looking in the water.

Description

Blue green algae can be blue, green, brown, or reddish purple looking in the water. These algae can be one-celled, filamentous (stringy), or grouped together.

Blue green algae float on the water and can create mats on the surface or make it look scummy.

 

There are many types of blue green algae. Click here for more information on Cyanobacteria, which are sometimes present with blue green algae.

Location

Blue green algae can be found across the United States.

Propagation

spores, fragments