Sony α7III | 24-105 OSS G | 1/125 s | ƒ/8 | ISO 160
Cyanobacteria Calothrix
pH: 6–9
Temperature: 30–45°C (86–113°F)
Color: Dark brown mats
Metabolism: Photosynthesis by day; fermentation by night.
Cyanobacteria Phormidium
pH: 6–8
Temperature: 35–57°C (95–135°F)
Color: Orange mats
Metabolism: Photosynthesis
Cyanobacteria Oscillatoria
pH: 6–8
Temperature: 36–45°C (96–113°F)
Color: Orange mats
Metabolism: Photosynthesis; oscillating moves it closer to
or away from light sources.
Cyanobacteria Synechococcus
pH: 7–9
Temperature: 52–74°C (126–165°F)
Color: Green mats
Metabolism: Photosynthesis by day; fermentation by night.
Green Sulfur Chlorobium
pH: 6–9
Temperature: 32–52°C (90–126°F)
Color: Dense, dark green mats
Metabolism: Anoxygenic photosynthesis— produces sulfate
and sulfur, not oxygen.
Green nonsulfur Chloroflexus
pH: 7–9
Temperature: 35–85°C (95–185°F)
Color: Green mats
Metabolism: Anoxygenic photosynthesis
Aquifex Hydrogenobaculum
pH: 3–5.5
Temperature: 55–72°C (131–162°F)
Color: Yellow and white streamers
Metabolism: Uses hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide
as energy sources; can use arsenic in place of hydrogen sulfide.
Deinococcus-Thermus Thermus
pH: 5–9
Temperature: 40–79°C (104–174°F)
Color: Bright red or orange streamers; contains carotenoid
pigments that act as sunscreen.