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Tolypothrix (Microchaetaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Single heteropolar cyanobacterial filaments in a mucilaginous sheath. Base of filament begins at a heterocyte. False branching common, beginning at a heterocyte (which was originally intercalary before the emergence of the branch). Slight constrictions between cells are common; akinetes are rare. Organelles are absent from the cells, but granules are common.  Forms fine tufts typically coloured blue or blue-green.

[Tolypothrix], Sowburn, X12. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Tolypothrix, Sowburn, X12. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Tolypothrix], Lake Hayes, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Tolypothrix, Lake Hayes, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Most of our records are from good quality streams

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Nostocales
Family Microchaetaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria