Stream macroalgae of Hawai`i: an identification guide - Hawaii.gov
Stream macroalgae of Hawai`i: an identification guide - Hawaii.gov
Stream macroalgae of Hawai`i: an identification guide - Hawaii.gov
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Anabaena<br />
Classification: Cy<strong>an</strong>obacteria (Family Nostocaceae)<br />
General habit: unbr<strong>an</strong>ched filaments in <strong>an</strong><br />
ent<strong>an</strong>gled mass, <strong>of</strong>ten in clumps or mats,<br />
surrounding mucilage does not have a definite<br />
shape that is retained when the alga is removed<br />
from the water<br />
Species in Hawai‘i: A. catenula, Anabaena sp.<br />
Isl<strong>an</strong>d distribution: Kaua‘i, O‘ahu<br />
Distinguishing features: bead or barrel-shaped<br />
cells in unbr<strong>an</strong>ched filaments, slightly larger <strong>an</strong>d<br />
less pigmented cells (heterocysts; sites <strong>of</strong> nitrogen<br />
fixation; Fig. C) spaced along filaments, similar to<br />
Nostoc but colony does not have a well-defined<br />
mucilage coating that retains its shape<br />
Compare with: Cylindrospermum, Nostoc,<br />
Nostochopsis<br />
9<br />
A. Piece <strong>of</strong> <strong>an</strong> epilithic Anabaena mat. Scale bar<br />
= 2mm. B. Filaments <strong>of</strong> Anabaena as seen with<br />
the compound microscope. Scale bar = 20µm. C.<br />
Single filament with both vegetative cells (colored)<br />
<strong>an</strong>d heterocysts (larger <strong>an</strong>d less pigmented).<br />
Scale bar = 15µm.
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