A Luminescent Fan of Algae

What am I looking at?

This is a magnified view of a freshwater red alga in the genus Batrachospermum. Chains of individual cells linked end to end form branches, or fronds, that sprout from its main chain. The points where the chains bifurcate, or split, are called nodes (1). Terms such as leaves, stalks (or trunks), and roots are reserved for vascular plants – including all the far more familiar trees and flowers. 

Click on the right arrow to see a zoomed-out view of this alga.

Biology in the background

Most red algae grow in salt water, but Batrachospermum is a rare freshwater red alga. It can be found in bodies of fresh water all over the globe, but it tends to prefer running water, such as rivers or streams, instead of standing water, like ponds or lakes. It grows on the bottom of rivers and streams and takes different shapes depending on the speed of the current. In fast-moving waters, it tends to be compact and less stringy. In slow-moving waters, it spreads out and becomes long. No matter its shape, it is covered in a gelatinous slime that helps protect it from the current and from animals that may eat it.

This kind of alga can grow up to 40 centimeters long (nearly 16 inches).

Technique

These images were created using brightfield light microscopy.