Species
Arthrospira platensis
Arthrospira platensisAlso known as Spirulina, Blue-Green Alga
Arthrospira platensis thrives in highly alkaline soda lakes, where extreme pH levels and rich carbonate salts suppress competing organisms. Microscopic examination reveals blue-green, helical filaments that move with a subtle corkscrew gliding motion toward light sources. These dense microscopic blooms give tropical soda lakes a vivid turquoise tint and serve as the foundational food source for vast flocks of lesser flamingos.
MicroscopicPhotosyntheticExtremophile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySunlight, Carbon Dioxide, Dissolved Minerals
Predators
- Lesser Flamingo
- Zooplankton
- Brine Shrimp
ThreatsWater Pollution and Agricultural Runoff
HabitatsAlkaline Soda Lakes and Subtropical Saline Waters
Life spanIndefinite via binary fission
Classification
- FamilyMicrocoleaceae
- SpeciesArthrospira platensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Microscopic View: High magnification under a compound light microscope is required to view individual tight spirals.
- Habitat Clues: Look for intense turquoise or emerald green water color in warm, highly alkaline soda lakes.
Cyanobacterial Cousin (c) http://www.korseby.net/outer/flora/algae/index.html, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Related Cyanobacterium no rights reserved, uploaded by Jade Fortnash · cc0
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