Macroscopic Algae

Macroscopic algae are algae that may grow up to a meter long.  Each filament composing a mat of algae consists of cells that are capable of growing into a new plant.  Macroscopic algae harbor many small aquatic animals used by fish and waterfowl for food.

Some forms of macroscopic algae (especially Cladophora) may be noticed when it detaches from the bottom and accumulates in mats along shorelines (Figure 2).  Exact identification of these plants is dependent on microscopic features.

Figure 2.    Detached floating mats of a macroscopic algae, mostly Cladophora, along the shore of a connecting river channel in the Great Lakes.