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Stigonema (Stigonemataceae)

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Diagnostic features

True-branched filamentous cyanobacterium, comprised of approx. spherical cells.  Main stem and mature branches are more than one cell thick; young branches may be one cell thick (the related genus Hapalosiphon is always one cell thick).  Heterocytes are present (sometimes rare).  Connections between cells may be visible.  Cells lack organelles.  The blue-green cells are usually enclosed in a golden mucilage sheath.

[Stigonema], X40. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua Image
Stigonema, X40. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua
[Stigonema], X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua Image
Stigonema, X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Most of our records are from good quality streams

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Stigonematales
Family Stigonemataceae
Common name Cyanobacteria