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Chamaesiphon (Chamaesiphonaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Elongated, tube-like, pale blue-green cells attached to surfaces (often larger algae). Small round exospores are usually seen separating from the apical cell. Readily distinguished from Characium (which occupies a similar habitat) by the exospores and colour (Characium contains chloroplasts, which are green).

[Chamaesiphon], X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Chamaesiphon, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Chamaesiphon], Tokomairiro River, X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Chamaesiphon, Tokomairiro River, X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

A very common epiphyte on filamentous algae under many conditions.

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Chroococcales
Family Chamaesiphonaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria