Didymosphenia geminata

Didymosphenia geminata
Didymo found beside the Mararoa River in New Zealand.
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Diaphoretickes
Clade: Sar
Clade: Stramenopiles
Phylum: Ochrophyta
Clade: Diatomeae
Class: Bacillariophyceae
Order: Cymbellales
Family: Cymbellaceae
Genus: Didymosphenia
Species:
D. geminata
Binomial name
Didymosphenia geminata
(Lyngbye) M. Schmidt, 1899
Synonyms
  • Echinella geminata
    Lyngbye, 1819
  • Gomphonema geminatum
    (Lyngbye) C. Agardh, 1824

Didymosphenia geminata (/ˌdɪdɪməˈsfniə ˌɛmɪˈnætə/), commonly known as didymo or rock snot, is a species of diatom that produces nuisance growths in freshwater rivers and streams with consistently cold water temperatures and low nutrient levels. It is native to the northern hemisphere, and considered an invasive species in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Chile. Even within its native range, it has taken on invasive characteristics since the 1980s. It is not considered a significant human health risk, but it can affect stream habitats and sources of food for fish and make recreational activities unpleasant. This microscopic alga can be spread in a single drop of water.