These are all true plants. In freshwater, much of the algal growth is in the form of slimes that grow on rocks, plants, and other surfaces, and of course microscopic phytoplankton. While freshwater algae is an important part of the ecosystem, it is not very remarkable to the typical scuba diver.
Microscopic planktonic colonial green algae
Microscopic Filamentous Green Algae ( plankton and attached )
Microscopic Desmids ( plankton, freshwater )
Typha latifolia
Size: to 7 ft
Habitat: water's edge
Peltandra viginica
Size: to 5 ft
Spirodela polyrhiza
Size: to 0.1"
Habitat: floating free at surface
Notes: Among the smallest seed plants; important food for many waterfowl.
Nuphar advena
Size: to 9" (leaves)
Habitat: rooted in muddy bottoms with leaves floating at surface
Ceratophyllum demersum
Size: to 10 ft
Habitat: beneath the surface in quiet waters
Notes: May form dense thickets
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Copyright © 1996-2008 Rich Galiano
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