Cladophora

weed identification

common name
String Algae, River Algae
description

Cladophora is a genus of filamentous green algae commonly found in freshwater and marine environments worldwide. Cladophora algae consist of long, unbranched filaments that radiate outward from a central point, giving them a bushy or tufted appearance. The filaments are composed of cylindrical cells arranged end to end, with chloroplasts containing chlorophyll responsible for photosynthesis, giving the algae its green colouration. These algae typically attach to submerged substrates such as rocks, sediments, or aquatic vegetation, although they can also float freely in the water column under certain conditions.

how to identify
  • Tufted or bushy appearance
  • Attached to rocks or substrate
  • Green in colour
mistaken with
  • Spirogya
    • Spirogyra will form dense mats on the surface of the water and appear more long and stringy
benefits

Cladophora algae play important ecological roles, such as providing habitat and food for aquatic organisms

What does Cladophora look like?

Use these images below to help you decide whether you are dealing with Cladophora.

Disadvantages of Cladophora

Cladophora algae thrive in nutrient-rich environments, particularly those with elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which stimulate their growth.

Under favourable conditions, Cladophora algae can proliferate rapidly, forming extensive mats or colonies that cover large areas of the substrate or water surface. These dense aggregations of algae can have significant ecological impacts, including shading out submerged vegetation, altering habitat structure, and affecting oxygen levels and nutrient cycling.

treatment

Coptrol – Algaecide control designed to kill algal cells. Use on mild to severe algae blooms.

GreenClear Pond – This treatment is designed for manmade enclosed fish ponds only. GreenClear Pond targets debris and sludge and is safe for fish.

prevention options

Aquatic Blue Dye – Blue dye that may reduce temperature of the water body by reducing UV light penetration. This may then increase oxygen saturation.

Phoslock – Phosphorous is the main food source for algae. By reducing the nutrient input, algae do not have enough food to replicate.

Barley Straw Bales and Barley Straw Extract – Barley Straw works to suppress the future growth of algae.

Waterbac – Beneficial Bacteria helps to reduce excess nutrients in the water body which may lead to an algal bloom.