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Scenedesmus (Radiococcaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Colonial chlorophyte with roughly ovoid cells, most often seen as colonies of 4 cells arranged side to side. The cell walls are not ornamented with spines or warts, except sometimes at the apices of the end cells (cf. Desmodesmus).  Scenedesmus may also occur as a unicell or in pairs under some conditions.  Chloroplasts green, containing pyrenoids.

[Scenedesmus] (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Manaaki Whenua Image
Scenedesmus (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Manaaki Whenua
[Scenedesmus] (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Manaaki Whenua Image
Scenedesmus (sewage pond), X640. Photo: Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Found in the plankton of nutrient-rich lakes and ponds. Can be abundant in sewage ponds at any time of year.

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Chlorophyta
Class Chlorophyceae
Order Chlamydomonadales
Family Radiococcaceae
Common name Green algae