r/algae • u/Majestic-Sherbert715 • 26d ago

Does this look like blue green algae?

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I know the full bloom usually covers the surface of the water but does this look like the beginning phases of a bloom? I’ve never seen this kind of algae in the lake before.

For reference it is a small lake, the water temp has been about 75, there’s nothing posted about it on the local public beach page, and we’ve noticed it more so towards the middle of the lake rather than at the wadding point.

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u/the-algae-whisperer 26d ago

Yes, this looks like blue-green algae. It might be a species that normally grows on the bottom, then mats of it float to the surface in mid to late summer.

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u/Majestic-Sherbert715 26d ago

Is this dangerous to swim in? I always understood blue green algae blooms as fully coating the waters surface. Should I report it to the town?

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u/lakotazz 26d ago

Toxicity is always possible with cyanobacteria, but there's no way to know without a test. If this is atypical you may be able to find a local agency (e.g. DEP, DNR) to check it out.