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Schizothrix (Schizotrichaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Multiple cyanobacterial isopolar filaments enclosed within a mucilaginous sheath. Filaments usually not tapered at the ends, or if so, only over the length of a few cells. Terminal cell may be conical, but lacking calyptra (thickened cap). Cells cylindrical, usually longer than wide, blue-green or blue. False branching common. Heterocytes and akinetes absent.  Organelles absent from the cells.

[Schizothrix] upper Clutha River, X12. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Schizothrix upper Clutha River, X12. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Schizothrix], X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Schizothrix, X400. 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 Oscillatoriales
Family Schizotrichaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria