Planktonic Algae

There are 4 different types of planktonic algae found in Kentucky: Blue-green, Brown, Green, and Euglena.  Each of these can be distinguished from other plant types by not having a multicelular structure like a regular plants and other algae, and by tingeing the color of the ponds water different colors.

 

Below are pictures of the 4 types of planktonic algae with links to their individual pages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown algae are free-floating in the water column; the water itself appears brown.

 

 

 

 

Green algae free-float in the water column; the water itself appears green.      

 

 

 

 Euglena are unicellular organisms that have characteristics of both plant and animal.