Microcystis aeruginosa (cyanobacteria)
Microcystis aeruginosa © Susie Wood
Microcystis aeruginosa is a species of photosynthetic bacteria called cyanobacteria.
It was originally thought to be a species of alga. Thanks to the chlorophyll that gives it its green colour, it was called a blue-green alga.
Blooms of cyanobacteria can cause water quality and management issues.
Species detail
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Taxonomy
Find out why these pigmented bacteria were originally classified as algae.
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Distribution
This widely distributed bacterium prefers stagnant water and can grow rapidly in some places. Find out where.
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Biology
When Microcystis aeruginosa grows rapidly it produces toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Find out more.
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References
Get more reference material for Microcystis aeruginosa.
Images
Microcystis aeruginosa.
© Susie Woods
Microcystis aeruginosa colonies isolated in New Zealand.
© Susie Woods
Microcystis aeruginosa colonies from Lac Saint Charles, Quebec, Canada.
© Sébastien Bourget
Cyanobacterial bloom in a lake, New York, USA.
© Anne D JungblutAbout the author
Author's quote
"I chose Microcystis aeruginosa because it is one of the most important cyanobacteria in connection with toxic blue-green algae blooms. Elevated concentrations of its toxin microcystin can be very harmful to humans and animals."
