Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Lyngbya (Oscillatoriaceae)


Diagnostic features

Unbranched, untapered, blue-green filaments with cells shorter than wide (cf. Phormidium), lacking heterocytes. Filaments occur within a firm sheath, and may glide within them. Short sections of filament (hormogonia) can break out of the sheath. 

Typical habitats

Common in lowland streams/rivers

Notes

May be difficult to distinguish from Phormidium

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Oscillatoriales
Family Oscillatoriaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria