The relationship between physical characteristics and a specific algal community on the Moore Feature in Douglas Lake

Abstract

The Moore Feature is a reef-like formation located on the western edge of South Fishtail Bay in Douglas Lake and is a habitat for an interesting set of benthic algae. Three genera, representing three separate divisions, dominated the algal flora on the Moore Feature. Cladophora was found growing on the Moore Feature and is a member of the division Chlorophyta. Filamentous green algae such as Cladophora often grow attached to hard surfaces, but growth on deep, muddy bottoms is possible for members of the genus (Wehr and Sheath, 2003). The rough cellulose walls of Cladophora provide excellent attachment surfaces for epiphytic algal species (Stevenson et al., 1996).