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Name derivation:

“Spherical net” – Net Dictyo- sphere –sphaerium

 

Classification:

Dictyosphaerium  Nägeli  1849;  8 of 44 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and guiry 2013).

Order Chlorellales;  FamilyChlorellaceae

 

Morphology:

Individual cells range from spherical to cylindrical and are grouped together in a common envelope. The cells are attached by thin stalks radiating from the center of the envelope that split either dichotomously or tetrachotomously.

 

Similar genera:

 

 

Habitat:

Freshwater lakes, both planktonic, aufwuchs, and benthic.  Cosmopolitan but often found in eutrophic reservoirs and fishing ponds where blooms occur.

 

References:

Guiry, M. in Guiry, M.D. and Guiry, G.M.  2013.  AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 15 January 2013.

Nägeli, C.  1849.  Gattungen einzelliger Algen, physiologisch und systematisch bearbeitet.  Neue Denkschriften der Allg. Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für die Gesammten Naturwissenschaften 10(7): i-viii, 1-139, pls I-VIII.