Thermophilic Cyanobacteria

Mickey Springs Sample #3

Mickey Springs sample #3 was collected from the edges of a broad shallow pool at approximately 40° C.  The organisms formed a dark green subaerial mat about 5 millimeters thick in a broad zone around the damp edges of the pool.

 

The mat comprises masses of filaments with thick fuscus brown sheaths aggregated into short pointed tufts.   Imaged at 1000x oil, phase-2.
 

Cells within the sheaths are variable in length and shape, and typically disarticulated.  Imaged at 1000x oil, phase-2.

Probably a species of Scytonema.  Imaged at 500x oil, brightfield.