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Lyngbya (Oscillatoriaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Unbranched, untapered, blue-green filaments with cells shorter than wide (cf. Phormidium), lacking heterocytes. Filaments occur within a firm sheath, and may glide within them. Short sections of filament (hormogonia) can break out of the sheath. 

[Lyngbya], Owaka River, X15. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Lyngbya, Owaka River, X15. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Lyngbya], X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Lyngbya, X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Common in lowland streams/rivers

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Oscillatoriales
Family Oscillatoriaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria