Algae: Staurastrum

One type of algae that we have been learning about, is Staurastrum. Staurastrum has short spikes on the end and has different symmetries. The spike projections increase the algae's surface area and help it to move and float. Blooms of this algae can create odor problems, especially in drinking water. It has a grassy smell.

picture:http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/pdb/Images/Chlorophyta/Staurastrum/Eustaurastrum/Processiformes/3_arms/Staurastrum_16.jpg