Algal factsheet: Tolypothrix (Microchaetaceae)
Diagnostic features
Single heteropolar cyanobacterial filaments in a mucilaginous sheath. Base of filament begins at a heterocyte. False branching common, beginning at a heterocyte (which was originally intercalary before the emergence of the branch). Slight constrictions between cells are common; akinetes are rare. Organelles are absent from the cells, but granules are common. Forms fine tufts typically coloured blue or blue-green.Typical habitats
Most of our records are from good quality streamsClassification
| Kingdom | Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Cyanobacteria |
| Class | Cyanophyceae |
| Order | Nostocales |
| Family | Microchaetaceae |
| Common name | Cyanobacteria |