Common Name(s): | Filamentous algae |
Scientific Name: | Spirogyra spp., Cladophora spp., Pithophera spp., Oedeogonium spp. |
Family: | Multiple |
Description: Filaments formed by multiple algae cells. Filamentous algae grow on the bottom, rocks, logs and aquatic vegetation in an impoundment. As mats are formed, they catch gas bubbles and rise to the surface. While growing, they can look like greenish, yellowish or brownish cotton candy, wool, hair or slime. Filamentous algae can completely dominate the surface of a pond and can create dissolved oxygen problems if too much dies at once. They provide habitat for invertebrates, which are eaten by fish and waterfowl. Several species also are foods for ducks. |
Chemical Control Options: Copper compounds or diquat. Fertilizing a pond to produce a phytoplankton bloom or using an aquatic dye prevents sunlight from reaching the plant and limits growth. |
Mechanical Control Options: Physically removing filamentous algae is only temporarily effective due to the ability to come back from remaining fragments and spores in the water. |
Biological Control Options: Diploid grass carp effectively control filamentous algae, but the effectiveness of triploid grass carp is less certain. |