Chlorophyte with spherical cells, each of which supports one or more spines. Each cell contains a single cup-shaped green chloroplast. Colonies of tightly packed cells may form spheres, squares, triangles or pyramids with many radiating spines.
Found in the plankton of nutrient-rich lakes and ponds. Often abundant in sewage ponds, particularly during spring and summer.
![[Micractinium] (sewage pond), X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/micractinium400__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Micractinium] (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/micractinium640__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)