Question

Are cyanobacteria a species of algae or bacteria?

Answer 1

Bacteria

Answer 2

But aren't they blue green algae?

Answer 3

Cyanobacteria were once called blue-green algae and classified with the simple algae. Recent studies have found that they are more closely related to the bacteria. All cyanobacteira contain a blue pigment called phycocyanin, from which they derive their name. They occur naturally in wet or damp situations:ponds, streams, wet rocks and soil. They flurish in warm conditions, particularly where the water contains dissoved organic material. Like bacteria they are small. Many from individual filaments, while others from slimy masses. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins, and can reproduce so rapidly that they form a vast, slimy mat (a 'bloom') that poisens the water in lakes and slow-flowing streams