A genus of branched, green algae that forms bright green filaments, commonly found in freshwater and marine environments.
From Greek klados 'branch' + phora 'bearing' or 'carrying'. The name refers to its branching structure; it was named by scientists to describe its morphology.
Cladophora algae can bloom so much in polluted lakes that it creates giant mats called 'lake snow'—a sign that the water has too much nitrogen or phosphorus, making it a living water-quality indicator.
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