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Millions of floating plants that color pond water green to blue and even brown or red. Many species are involved in algae blooms and these species change over time based on temperature, light, nutrients, and other factors.
Single algae cells that form filaments that intertwine, creating a mat that resembles wet wool. Filamentous algae starts growing along the bottom in shallow water or attached to structures in the water, such as rocks or other aquatic plants. Often, filamentous algae floats to the surface forming large mats, which are commonly referred to as pond scum or moss.
Branched multicellular algae are often confused with submerged flowering plants. However, branched algae have no flower, do not extend above the water surface, and often have a grainy or crunchy texture.
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