Algae

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Hundreds of different kinds of algae occur in all fresh waters in Mississippi. These plants cause most of the problems in private and commercial fish ponds. Excessive algae growth is generally called "pond scum" or "pond moss."

Because of the number of different kinds and the difficulty in controlling several kinds, it is best to identify them accurately before treating. However, the treatments listed will control most kinds of algae you will find.

Following are the main types of algae:

• Planktonic algae - Green water is the sign of productivity, but if the water is too green (visibility less than 12 inches) or there are severe surface scums, this may indicate potential oxygen problems for the pond.
• Filamentous algae - Filamentous algae blooms are a nuisance and can lead to water quality problems. The “slimy” forms are easier to treat than the more “cottony” forms.
• Chara - Chara is easily distinguished from other macroalgae by its rough texture and strong musty or garlic-like order. Individual internodes, or false “stems,” have whorls of six to eight branchlets that do not have further branching. Prefers hard water.
• Nitella - Closely related to Chara, but is smooth to the touch and does not emit a musty or garlic odor. It has six to eight branchlets along the internodes, but these brachlets have additional lateral and terminal branches that give the alga a bushy appearance.