Diagnostic features
Unbranched filamentous zygnematalean with cylindrical cells, each containing 2 green star-shaped axial chloroplasts. Nucleus often visible between the chloroplasts. Filament is coated with a thin mucilage layer; consequently, strands of Zygnema are soapy to the touch. Conjugation is ladder-like, similar to that in Spirogyra, but this is rarely seen in collected material.
![[Zygnema] bloom, Wanaka puddles. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/zygnema3__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Zygnema], X320. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/zygnema320__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)