Aphanizomenon Flosaquae
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Aphanizomenon Flosaquae
aphanizomenon flosaquae
Aphanizomenon flosaquae, commonly known as AFA, is a species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that inhabits freshwater lakes globally. Renowned for its ability to form dense, grass-like blooms, this ancient organism plays a foundational role in aquatic ecosystems by converting solar energy and atmospheric nitrogen into usable organic compounds. It is famously harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon as a nutrient-dense dietary supplement, valued for its rich profile of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Despite its nutritional benefits, wild blooms must be carefully monitored, as some strains can produce cyanotoxins that impact water quality and local wildlife.
Habitat: Typically found floating in eutrophic to mesotrophic freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers worldwide.
Appearance
Aphanizomenon flosaquae is best identified in the wild by its distinctive colonies, which resemble tiny, bright green to blue-green grass clippings or pine needles floating in the water. These colonial rafts, or trichomes, typically bundle together parallel to one another, reaching lengths of up to 1 to 2 millimeters. Under a microscope, individual cells are cylindrical and arranged in long, bead-like filaments containing specialized, larger cells called heterocysts and resting spores known as akinetes.
KingdomBacteriaPhylumCyanobacteriaClassCyanophyceaeOrderNostocalesFamilyAphanizomenonaceaeGenusAphanizomenon
Category
AnimalRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Aphanizomenon flosaquae is one of the few species capable of fixing both carbon and nitrogen, making it a critical pioneer species in aquatic environments.
Fossil records of related cyanobacteria date back over 3.5 billion years, making them among the oldest living lineages on Earth.
Its scientific name literally translates to 'invisible flower of the water', referencing its microscopic individual nature and beautiful macroscopic colonies.
Under favorable conditions, massive blooms of AFA can cover entire lakes, turning the water into what looks like a thick green pea soup.
Special abilities
Ability
Nitrogen Fixation
Utilizes specialized cells called heterocysts to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable ammonium, allowing it to thrive in nitrogen-poor waters.
Ability
Buoyancy Regulation
Uses internal gas vesicles to adjust its depth in the water column, rising to the surface for photosynthesis during the day and sinking for nutrients at night.
Ability
Dormant Survival
Produces thick-walled survival cells called akinetes that sink to the sediment, allowing the species to survive harsh winter conditions and germinate in spring.
Measurements & details
- Length
- up to 0 cm
Diet & Feeding
Aphanizomenon flosaquae is a photoautotrophic organism that synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
Ecological connections
eaten by
Water Flea
Daphnia pulicaria
Feeds heavily on cyanobacterial cells, controlling bloom density.
competitor
Microcystis
Microcystis aeruginosa
Competes for light and nutrients in eutrophic water bodies.
eaten by
Silver Carp
Hypophthalmichthys valitrix
Consumes the floating filaments of AFA as a major food source.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Aphanizomenon Flosaquae?
The easiest way to identify Aphanizomenon Flosaquae is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Aphanizomenon Flosaquae?
up to 0 cm
What does Aphanizomenon Flosaquae eat?
Aphanizomenon flosaquae is a photoautotrophic organism that synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through photosynthesis.
Where is Aphanizomenon Flosaquae usually found?
Typically found floating in eutrophic to mesotrophic freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers worldwide.
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