Genus: Cylindrospermopsis| Cyanobateria

Samples collected in Pinto Lake, California

Order: Nostocales

Family: Nostocaceae

Description: This genus is composed of trichomes (chained filaments) that are solitary and straight. The terminal cells may differentiate into cone-shaped heterocysts. Akinetes (thick-walled spore-like structures) are cylindrical to oval-shaped, found singly or in pairs, near the terminal heterocysts. Both straight and coiled trichomes of this species exist in different locations around the world.  

Some strains of this species are capable of producing cylindrospermopsin, a toxic compound that affects the human liver and kidneys, as well as anatoxin-a and saxitoxin.

Distribution: Genus is tropical/subtropical in origin, but it has expanded into temperate areas, particularly the northern hemisphere.