Identification Of Freshwater Algae: Easy

: Diatoms often feel gritty (like sand) because of their glass-like silica shells. Identification Resources

: If you can pick up the algae with a stick and it hangs like hair, it is likely a filamentous green alga. If it is slimy and slips off immediately, it may be cyanobacteria . Easy identification of freshwater algae

Chara (skunkweed) grows from the bottom and often has a strong skunk or garlic-like smell. 2. Check the Color : Diatoms often feel gritty (like sand) because