Blue Green
Algae, Filamentous Algae, Pond Algae, Horsehair Algae, Toxic Algae, Algae Diatoms, Green
Algae, Brown Algae, Pond Moss, Pond Scum
Below you will find information about different types of pond algae
including blue-green algae, green algae, filamentous algae, horsehair algae, brown algae,
string algae, toxic algae, algae diatoms, pond moss and pond scum. It is important to note that algae problems usually occur due to ponds
being neglected. Often times people think you can simply "dig a hole" and
then let the pond take care of itself. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Healthy ponds require proper aeration, bacteria treatments and adequate pond weed
management. To find out how you can avoid algae problems in large bodies of
water and create a healthier pond, please read the following.
Technical Info About Algae...
Algae are primitive plants closely related to fungi.
They exhibit no true leaves, stems or root systems and reproduce by means of
spores, cell division or fragmentation. They "live" from excess
nutrients in the water and sunlight for growth. Over 17,400 species of algae have
been identified and thousands more probably exist.
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Common Types of Algae
Planktonic Algae
Planktonic algae are microscopic plants, usually
suspended in the upper few feet of water, which often reach bloom proportions. Their
presence will cause water to appear pea soup green or brownish. Natural die-off may
cause summer kill of fish due to oxygen depletion. Some species may be toxic to
livestock, wildlife or man or impart taste and odor problems.
Filamentous Algae
Filamentous algae, or commonly referred to as
"pond scum" or "pond moss" forms greenish mats upon the water's
surface. This algae usually begins its growth along the edges or bottom of the pond
and "mushrooms" to the surface. Individual filaments are a series of cells
joined end to end which give the thread-like appearance. They also form fur-like
growths on bottom logs, rocks and even on the backs of turtles. Some forms of
filamentous algae are commonly referred to as "frog spittle" or "water
net".
Resistant Algae
* Lyngbya
Lyngbya is a blue-green algae. The species
which are particularly troublesome to control are those which grow in colonies forming
small spongy masses of mucilage. These blue-green, black or gray clumps made up of
thousands of individual cells will lay on the bottom or float to the surface.
Because of the protective mucilage, chemical control is difficult.
* Pithophora
Pithophora is a dark green filamentous algae
commonly refered to as "horsehair algae". It commonly grows in coarse
clumps of tangled filaments resembling pads of steel wool. Individual filaments show
extensive branching. Due to its high production of reproductive cells, growth is
quite prolific. Pithophora grows on the bottom and sporadically surfaces.
Algae Diatoms
Diatoms are a form of algae characterized by having cell walls made of silica, a mineral
substance. Certain species of diatoms grow in colonies, usually on sand or concrete
surfaces and produce gelatinous masses. Generally these colonies are brown to
grayish in color.
String Algae
String algae looks like long green hair. It grows primarily in shallow waters along
rocks and in between plants. Click here for information about string
algae control. It can be a problem that is easily "fixed" in small ponds.
Toxic Algae
Many large pond or lake owners are concerned about
"toxic algae" and we'll try to address some of those concerns here.
Death and sickness to pets, livestock, wildlife and
even man have been attributed to the presence of certain algae, mostly blue-green forming
species, in water supplies. Lethal substances produced by these algae are retained
within the cells and released after death or are secreted from living cells. Many
unattended farm ponds and other waters contain some of these toxic forms, posing a threat
to human health and the environment. Medical case histories, biologist reports and
laboratory tests show some of the possible effects of toxic algae.
Humans: A list complied by the U.S. Department
of the Interior Federal Water Pollution Control Administration summarizes medical case
histories of algal poisonings for a 120 year period. Exposure to and ingestion of
algae caused a variety of "discomforts" including: skin rashes, headaches,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscular pains and eye, nose and throat irritation.
Wildlife: Severe ecological disruptions
attributed to overabundant toxic algae species have been reported.
Livestock: In the California State Water Resources
Control Board states in their Water Quality Criteria Handbook (Second Edition):
"There have been reports of rapid deaths of a great variety of animals after drinking
water containing high concentrations of blue-green algae such as Microcystis,
Aphanizomenon, Nostoc rivulare, Nodularia, Gleotrichia, Gomphosphaeria and Anabaena.
Fatal poisonings have occurred among cattle, pigs, sheep, dogs, horses, turkeys, ducks,
geese and chickens. It is believed that such algae may be toxic to all warm-blooded
animals."
Lyngbya colonies (blue-green algae)
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Planktonic algae
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Filamentous Algae
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Planktonic "pea green soup" algae
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Algae Diatoms
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Common Aquatic Plant Infestations
Duckweed and Watermeal Infestation
Duckweed and watermeal are technically aquatic plants and are often mistaken for algae.
Because they are a common problem in large ponds or lakes, we thought we would
include them on this page. They are commonly found in quiet water in ponds with
little movement. Duckweed plant is smaller than the size of a pea while watermeal is
nearly granular in size.
Duckweed and Watermeal Infestations
Duckweed. Super tiny plant with
little leaflets and roots. Can literally cover an entire pond.
Commonly
transferred from pond to pond by waterfowl.
Duckweed and filamentous algae are
predominant in this photo. Way too much of both for any pond which can
cause
fatally low dissolved oxygen levels causing fish loss.
For treatment recommendations on the above described algae or pond
weeds, check out our FAQs (we
have hundreds of answers to frequently asked questions) and our pond pharmaceuticals page here. Still
have questions? We offer an excellent book that covers a wide variety of aquatic
plant and algae problems including pictures and recommended treatments. Check out
our "Water, Weeds, and Algae" book here. Every
large pond owner should have this book!
For additional information for algae control in small, backyard ponds
(less than approx. 50' x 50'), click here. For additional
information for algae control in large, backyard ponds and lakes (over 50' x 50') , click here.
*NOTE:
The use of copper sulfate has NOT been recommended for algae control as research
and field usage have shown a high potential for detrimental environmental effects.
In certain waters, copper sulfate is quite toxic to fish and other organisms.
Overuse of this product is common due to its short-term effectiveness. This can
result in copper build-up in the sediments leading to a sterile bottom, killing important
beneficial bacteria, microorganisms, snails and other beneficial "creatures".
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