[APD] Re: Cyanophyta

[Paul Krombholz <krombhol at teclink_net>]

Another trait of Cyanobacteria including Oscillatoria, that is of 
significance in the battle to get rid of the stuff is the fact that 
Oscillatoria produces a variety of toxins that inhibit or discourage 
invertebrate grazers.  I have seen on numerous occasions, that when 
the lights are removed from a tank badly infested with Oscillatoria, 
after a few days, the stuff becomes edible and the ramshorn snails 
start feasting, growing and laying eggs.  However, the snails leave 
well lit Oscillatoria strictly alone.  I have a tank now that has 
been taken over by Oscillatoria, and I have noticed that when the BGA 
forms a thick clump at the surface, the snails cluster underneath the 
clump and eat away.  It is my guess that the BGA at the bottom is so 
poorly lit that it can no longer produce its protective toxins.  When 
the clump is gone, the snails disperse, leaving a bunch of egg 
clusters near where the clump was.  They leave the thinner, well-lit 
stuff strictly alone.
--
Paul Krombholz in sunny central Mississippi
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