- Pick and research a FRESHWATER ALGAE OR PROTIST that causes toxic blooms or illness in Texas.
- Golden Algae (Prymnesium parvum)
- Discuss the following information:
- Characteristics of the organism'
- Growth and reproduction
- Where it is found?
- What type of disease does it cause?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is the disease treated?
- Can it be fatal?
- How can you prevent it?
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| http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/cr-647/welcome.html |
- Golden Algae is a single celled algae with a yellow-green or golden brown color. It has 2 flagella, and can produce toxins that cause extensive fish kills.
- These algae prefer cool, salted, nutrient rich water to reproduce and bloom.
- Golden Algae can be found worldwide and in fresh and brackish waters. It has been found in southern areas of the United States.
- This algae's toxins can affect the respiration of fish, and other creatures with gills. The gills lose their ability to absorb oxygen and bleed internally, killing the fish.
- When it blooms, the water turns a brown-ish, gold color. When the toxic form blooms, fish will swim slowly under the surface. They may also jump to find better water.
- There is no short term treatment to Golden Algae,
- There is also, no proof of Golden Algae killing humans or livestalk but that doesn't mean you can touch, much less, eat an infected fish or aquatic animal from contaminated water.
- If you see any of the symptoms, crazy fish jumping out of the water, or any other odd activity, report to authorities. To prevent spreading of the algae, make sure to clean and bleach boats traveling from water body to water body.
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| http://waterschool.brazos.org/?tag=/golden+algae |
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