More on green algae

Green algae are normally of vital importance for the ecosystems where they occur, but for us humans they can sometimes turn into a nuisance. You might for instance find your aquariums overgrown with green algae if you allow the nutrient levels to rise, and green algae can also be problem in swimming pools – especially outdoors where the pool receives a lot of sunlight. Some types of green algae form colonies, while others are unicellular. Some species of green algae even develop fully differentiated tissue which makes them very similar to higher plants, such as trees and bushes.

If you want to control green algae growth in an aquarium, scrubbing is rarely the best approach. You have to find out what caused the algae problem in the first place and make chances. Are the levels of nutrients too high in the aquarium? Are you over-feeding the fish? Is the aquarium crowded? Are you not carrying out sufficient water changes on a regular basis? Is the tank receiving too much natural sunlight? Do you keep the aquarium lights on for too many hours or are they too strong? Once you have figured out the source of the green algae problem and adjusted it, you can start pondering the idea of getting some type of animal that likes to feast on green algae in the aquarium.

Green Algae

There are over 7,000 described species of green algae on planet earth and scientists are expecting to find even more species as they continue to investigate the mesmerizing world of algae. Many algae species live in environments that are difficult to explore, such as high mountains and malaria infested swamps and it is therefore not unrealistic to assume that we still have a lot to learn about this fascinating life form.

If you want to research green algae, you can expect to find the greatest number of species in freshwater but green algae exists in marine waters as well. There are also species that have adapted to a life in brackish water. Green algae don’t need a large body of water to thrive; it can for instance show up on damp rocks and other moist surfaces. Some species have flagella, tiny “tails” that they can use to move around.

A vast majority of the species we know of has a chloroplast filled with chlorophyll b and uses its chlorophyll b to derive energy from the sun. Chlorophyll b is the same type of chlorophyll found in the higher plants, e.g. trees. In addition to the pigment chlorophyll b, green algae are filled with carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Some species also contain the pigment siphonoxanthin.