Aphanizomenon

Aphanizomenon flos -aquae

Aphanizomenon is a genus of cyanobacteria (formerly called " blue-green algae "). Typical representatives are the Slim water needle ( A. gracile ) and the Green Spanalge (or " Sichelalge " the carp pond farming ) (A. flos -aquae ).

Every 20 to 50 cells of Aphanizomenon form filamentous colonies, which in turn aggregate into clumps, so that macroscopically visible aggregates are formed. These float in the water and create the impression of some larch needles. In particular, A. flos -aquae occurs in the form of water flowers ( hence the name ) on masse. Carp breeders appreciate them erroneously as a sign of good fertility of the pond concerned, it shows their occurrence infallible unilateral phosphate eutrophication on.