Freshwater algae range in size from microscopic organisms (unicellular or colonial) to macroscopic forms which are visible to the naked eye and appear plant-like. Planktonic algae are typically microscopic (micro-algae), and are part of the micobial community. In contrast, various benthic or attached algae are macroscopic, and do not fit into the broad area of aquatic organisms. The green algae in particular include large filamentous forms such as Cladophora and Chara, and description of these is limited to their ecological role as attached algae or periphyton.
Freshwater algae constitute a diverse group of biota and occupy a wide range of aquatic habitats.
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