Didymo
What are they: Didymo is an algae, it is called a diatom. Didymo is short for Didymoshenia geminata, and is also called "Rock Snot". It is called this because it makes thick mats that appear to be like snot, yet it feels like wet cotton. It is usually light tan or yellow in color, in some cases it has white strands that extend from larger tan mats. What you are seeing is actually stalks that are formed by the small diatom. The organism is too small to see, but does creat the large mats which do not break down quickly.
Didymo grows in a variety of water conditions. This includes flowing water, still water, warm water, cold water, nutrient rich or poor waters. This makes it very adaptable and a large threat to any waterway.Large mats coat the bottom of streams and coke out native plants and organisms. These mats can also impact water withdrawals, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Didymo grows in a variety of water conditions. This includes flowing water, still water, warm water, cold water, nutrient rich or poor waters. This makes it very adaptable and a large threat to any waterway.Large mats coat the bottom of streams and coke out native plants and organisms. These mats can also impact water withdrawals, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Where are they native: The northern reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. This is Canada, Europe, and Russia.
How are they spread: Didymo is a microscopic diatom. It can cling to anything that enters water. The diatom can survive out of water for up to 40 days in damp environments.
Where are they currently: Didymo is found in many waterways, especially near fishing access. Didymo is confirmed in Pine Creek.
How are they spread: Didymo is a microscopic diatom. It can cling to anything that enters water. The diatom can survive out of water for up to 40 days in damp environments.
Where are they currently: Didymo is found in many waterways, especially near fishing access. Didymo is confirmed in Pine Creek.
How to prevent them: Cleaning of gear is very important. Didymo can not survive in salt water so washing gear in salt water solution is effective in removing Didymo. You also can dry your gear very well. It is recommended that you allow your gear to dry for 5 days, preferable in the sun.
It is also recommended that you avoid using felt soled waders, as they can trap the diatom can survive.
It is also recommended that you avoid using felt soled waders, as they can trap the diatom can survive.
