Batrachospermum algae. Light micrograph of the filamentous algae Batrachospermum moniligera. The name Batrachospermum translates from the latin batracho" meaning "frog" and "spermum" meaning "seed". This refers to the small, round, egg-like sporangia of the plant, as seen here. The primary axis of the plant (running diagonally) has many small branches which arise in whorls along the nodes (at centre). These tufts often terminate in long hairs. The rounded sporangia release spores which can germinate into a new plant. Batracho- spermum, although violet or blue-green in colour, is classified as a red algae and is found in fresh water. Magnification: x60 at 35mm size."