What is "lyngbya"

Lyngbya is a genus of cyanobacteria, unicellular autotrophs that form the basis of the oceanic food chain.

Lyngbya form long, unbranching filaments inside a rigid mucilage sheath. Sheaths may form tangles or mats, intermixed with other phytoplankton species. Lyngbya reproduce asexually. Their filaments break apart and each cell forms a new filament.

Some Lyngbya cause the human skin irritation called seaweed dermatitis.

Some Lyngbya species can also temporarily monopolize aquatic ecosystems when they form dense floating mats in the water.