Habitat

Anabaena can be found all over the United States, and even all over the world!  Since Anabaena is a planktonic algae it is commonly found in freshwater ecosystems.  Also, it is not to specific about what freshwater habitat it is in, as it can occupy a large range of temperatures and salinities.  In, fact many blue-green algae have been found in alkaline hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone National Park.   These algae can live in temperature up to 74°C!  Also, many species of Anabaena have been found in and on top of the soil.  These species are very important primary colonizers, and help to add much needed nutrients to the soil. 

To see what kind of nutrients Anabaena contributes to its ecosystem check out the Adaptation and Nutrition pages! Or head back to the main page to find some other great Anabaena facts!