Haematococcus
| Haematococcus | |
|---|---|
| Two individuals of an unidentified Haematococcus species | |
| Scientific classification | |
| (unranked): | Viridiplantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Chlorophyceae |
| Order: | Chlamydomonadales |
| Family: | Haematococcaceae |
| Genus: | Haematococcus Wille in Warming, 1884 |
| Species | |
|
Haematococcus capensis | |
Haematococcus is a genus of algae in the family Haematococcaceae. Members of this group are a common cause of the pink color found in birdbaths. One of the most notable species of Haematococcus is H. pluvialis, which is used in cosmetic products due to its production of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant carotenoid, under stress conditions.
- Drawing of Haematococcus pluvialis
- Flagellate stage
- When stressed, this green microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, degrades chlorophylls and accumulates a strong red antioxidant, the carotenoid astaxanthin
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