| Major Taxonomic
Group: Cyanobacteria
Size and Shape:
Spherical or sometimes
cylindrical unicells, 1-3 µm in diameter.
Plastids and
Pigments: No plastids
(its a prokaryote), has ChlA, phycoerytherin, and phycobilliproteins.
Distinguishing
features: One of
the most well-studied and common cyanobacteria on the planet.
Distribution:
Worldwide in brackish
and marine coastal and open ocean waters.
Impact: Is not
toxic, but can form
large nuisance blooms, particullarly in hypereutrophic ponds.
References:
Lewitus,
A.J., Schmidt, L.B.,
Mason, L.J., Kempton, J.W., Wilde, S.B., Wolny, J.L., Williams, B.J.,
Hayes,
K.C., Hymel, S.N., Keppler, C.J., and Ringwood, A.H. (2003) Harmful
algal
blooms in South Carolina residential and golf course ponds. Population
and Environment. 24: 387-413.
Komarek, J. & Anagnostidis, K.
1986.
Modern approach to the
classification system of cyanophytes. 2. - Chroococcales. Arch.
Hydrobiol.
Suppl. 73, 2, Algological Studies. 43: 157-226.
Kuylenstierna, M. & Karlson, B. 1994.
Seasonality and composition
of pico- and nanoplanktonic cyanobacteria and protists in the
Skagerrak.
Botanica Marina 37: 17-33.
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