Colonial chlorophyte with cigar-shaped cells arranged radially in colonies of 8 (forming star-like colonies). Each cell has a single plate-like chloroplast lying against the cell wall.
Found in the plankton of nutrient-rich lakes and ponds. Can be abundant in sewage ponds, particularly during summer.
![[Actinastrum] (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/actinastrum640__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Actinastrum] (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/actinastrum640b__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)