Great Lakes Water Life Photo Gallery
Blue-green Algae
Cyanophyta
Anacystis sp.

Anacystis spp.

micro*scope

Anacystis montana, A. montana f. minor, A. thermalis (aka Aphanothece thermalis)

Taxonomy: ITIS

Revised Taxonomy: Cyanodb - This former genus has been eliminated and species renamed (split) to the following taxa: Aphanothece, Chroococcidiopsis, Cyanosarcina, Asterocapsa, Synechococcus

Profile: Many-celled aggregates crowded in a globular mucilage. Sheath with layers.

Like nearly all blue-green algae, this genus may produce lipopolysaccharidescapable of causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress.

D - A. montana f. minor is a dominant member of the spring phytoplankton assemblage of Lakes Superior and Erie.

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