Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

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 streams

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Nostocales
Family Microchaetaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria