Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and including seaweeds, diatoms, and Spirogyra. They're photosynthetic, like plants, and the majority are aquatic.
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Somewhat misleading vernacular name for the freshwater shrimp Caridina multidentata Stimpson 1860, a popular addition to freshwater aquaria due to its reputation for consuming algae, though in reality it is unable to survive on a diet of algae alone. Formerly referred to as C. japonica De Man 1892 (that name is now regarded as a junior synonym of C. multidentata) and also known as the Amano shrimp. Exhibits an amphidromous life cycle in nature and is thus difficult to breed in captivity, though it has been achieved.
Loose term used to describe any type of crab useful in an aquarium because it eats algae and/or diatoms. In marine aquaria this would include Sally Lightfoot, Emerald and various species of hermit crab. In freshwater the micro-crab Limnopilos naiyanetri fills the same role.
Vernacular term commonly used in zoology when referring to the largely marine class Phaeophyceae which includes many seaweeds, and in the aquarium hobby to describe growths of brown, diatomic algae.
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Any red algae of the order Corallinales, characterised by possession of a hard thallus containing calcareous deposits. Often pink, purple or red in colour.
See 'cyanobacteria'.
See diatom.
Any member of the division Rhodophyta.
A population explosion of unicellular algae, normally resulting from an increase or excess of available nutrients.
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Division of mostly freshwater eukaryotic algae, informally referred to as chlorophytes and containing the true green algae and stoneworts under modern systems of classification. Like higher plants members possess chlorophylls a and b and store food as starch.
Large group of algae often referred to as 'brown algae' in relation to aquaria. Most are unicellular but there also exist colonial types. Very common component of phytoplankton.
A biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that affect the growth, survival, and reproduction of others. Typical in certain plants, algae, bacteria, coral, and fungi.
An organism capable of synthesising its own food via inorganic light or chemical energy, e.g., green plants, algae.
A population explosion of phytoplankton such as algae.
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A chlorophyll-containing plastid found in the cells of green plants and some algae within which photosynthesis occurs.
Erosion-resistant aquatic structure formed from living corals, their rock-like skeletal secretions and calcium carbonate deposits from other organisms such as calcareous algae, molluscs, and protozoans.
Sand originating from marine environments via bioerosion of the calcareous skeletal structures possessed by some organisms. Coral is not the chief constituent, however, with the majority of material deriving from foraminifera, calcareous algae, molluscs, and crustaceans.
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Phylum of generally blue-green coloured bacteria, often confused with algae, that obtain their energy via photosynthesis and include unicellular and colonial species. Some species occur commonly in aquaria where they're normally regarded as pests.
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Having water rich in nutrients, thus promoting the growth of plants, especially algae.
Used in 1 profile
Term used to describe water with a green-coloured, soupy appearance caused by an excess of phytoplankton in suspension, often as a result of eutrophication. Also known as an algal bloom.
Used in 7 profiles