Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Hydrodictyon (Hydrodictyaceae)


Diagnostic features

Colonial chlorophyte with cylindrical cells linked at each end to two other cells, forming a polygonal net. Each cell contains a single large netlike chloroplast with numerous pyrenoids. Cells are multinucleate, and much of their internal space is taken up by large vacuoles. Colonies can be a metre long or more.  Also known as "water net".

Typical habitats

Found in lakes, ponds and slow-flowing waters

Notes

Can produce large, unsightly mats on the water surface

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Chlorophyta
Class Chlorophyceae
Order Chlamydomonadales
Family Hydrodictyaceae
Common name Water net