Thermophilic Cyanobacteria

Mickey Springs Sample #7

Mickey Springs sample #7 was collected from the edges of shallow drainage below a small pool exceeding 90° C.  The organisms formed a dark green crust about one centimeter thick on edges of the drain channel. Temperature of the mat was likely < 40° C.

 
 
 

The filaments form twining bundles.  Individual cells are about 5mm wide by 10-15 mm long.  Possibly a species of Microcoleus.  Imaged at 1000x oil, phase-2.

Intercalary heterocysts were observed on only a couple of filaments in the preparation.  Imaged at 1000x oil, phase-2.
 

True branching was observed on several filaments.  Branches were about the same diameter as main filaments.  No multiseriate filaments were observed.  Imaged at 1000x oil, phase-2.
 

The filaments most closely match Hapalosiphon, though no reference to this taxon in geothermally heated waters was found.  Imaged at 1000x oil, phase-2.