vs

Coelosphaerium dubium compared with Coelosphaerium minutissimum

Taxonomic Classification

Rank
Kingdom same	Bacteria (Bacteria)	Bacteria (Bacteria)
Phylum same	Cyanobacteria (สาหร่ายสีเขียวแกมน้ำเงิน)	Cyanobacteria (สาหร่ายสีเขียวแกมน้ำเงิน)
Class same	Cyanobacteriia	Cyanobacteriia
Order same	Cyanobacteriales	Cyanobacteriales
Family same	Microcystaceae	Microcystaceae
Genus same	Coelosphaerium	Coelosphaerium
Species	Coelosphaerium dubium	Coelosphaerium minutissimum

Evolutionary Relationship

and share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Coelosphaerium.

Conservation Status

NE — Not Evaluated

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Habitat

Native to Asia and Europe, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Taiwan.

Habitat

Native to Europe, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Coelosphaerium dubium is a colonial planktonic cyanobacterium in the family Merismopediaceae, named for the taxonomic uncertainty surrounding its morphological boundaries with related species in the genus. Like its congeners, it forms spherical, gelatinous mucilaginous colonies in which cells are distributed at the periphery of a central hyaline matrix. The genus Coelosphaerium has historically been defined by gross morphological characteristics—colony shape, cell arrangement, and mucilage properties—but molecular phylogenetic analyses have substantially revised understanding of cyanobacterial diversity and systematics within this group. Coelosphaerium dubium has a relatively broad geographic distribution compared to some congeners, with records from freshwater bodies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Taiwan, suggesting either a wide ecological tolerance or cryptic species diversity within the taxon. It inhabits lentic and slow-flowing freshwater environments, particularly stratified lakes and ponds where thermal and chemical gradients allow cyanobacterial cells equipped with gas vesicles to adjust their buoyancy and optimise light exposure. As a primary producer in these aquatic ecosystems, it contributes to nutrient cycling and forms part of the phytoplankton community grazed by zooplankton. No formal conservation assessment has been undertaken for this species by the IUCN.

Coelosphaerium minutissimum is a very small colonial cyanobacterium that forms hollow, spherical colonies composed of cells arranged at the periphery. It is found in freshwater plankton communities and contributes to aquatic primary production. Its conservation status is not evaluated.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden