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Re: Algae question
>A related question ,I guess, is how exactly does thread algae spread
>itself? Is it by spores, free swimming microbes, or what?
Algae have numerous sexual and asexual reproductive strategies: 1)
fragmentaion-where fragments of the parent plant can grow to new
individuals; 2) spore formation-green algae, esp, form special spores
called akinetes, which is essentially a single algal cell with
thickened walls and is able to withstand dessication and other hostile
conditions; 3) zoospores-which are flagellated spores that can swim;
and 4) sexually-where an individual can bear both male and female
gametes and are said to be bisexual, monoecious, or hermaphroditic,
depending on the species. Others are dioecious, where the male and
female gametes are produced on different individuals.
Common green filamentous algae found in aquaria (e.g., Pithophora,
Cladophora, and Spirogyra) reproduce asexually by fragmentation,
zoospore and/or akinete formation, and sexually.
Bleach would kill practically everything, although it would not
surprise me to hear some akinetes could survive a bleach treatment.
Regards,
Mark