Algae in New Mexico: Diverse Species Thriving in Aquatic Habitats

New Mexico's rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands support a wide variety of algae. Common groups include:

• Diatoms: Single-celled, silica-shelled, vital primary producers in freshwater and marine systems.
• Green algae: Diverse forms from unicellular to multicellular, important food sources.
• Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria): Photosynthetic bacteria that can form harmful blooms.

Algae oxygenate water, support food webs, filter pollutants, and have commercial potential for food, fuel, and fertilizer.