FAQs related to Didymo
If I see something in the river, how do I know if it is didymo or not?
Didymo can be distinguished from other species of algae on the basis of:
- Colour - didymo is beige/brown/white but not green.
- Touch - Although it looks slimy, it doesn't feel slimy, but rather spongy and scratchy like cotton wool.
- Odour - Live didymo has no distinctive odour.
- Strength - didymo is very securely attached to river stones and does not fall apart when rubbed between your fingers.
However, didymo can easily be confused with other broth stalked algae, so microscopic analysis is required to confirm identification. Please phone Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 if you think you have found didymo.
What are the economic impacts of didymo?