Confervoid algae are a type of green algae that form long, stringy filaments in aquatic environments. They are often mistaken for moss or pond scum but play an important role in freshwater ecosystems as a food source for aquatic animals. Some other synonyms for confervoid algae include filamentous algae, stoneworts, and charophytes. These algae typically thrive in nutrient-rich environments and can create dense mats that can cover the surface of ponds and lakes, leading to oxygen depletion and harmful algal blooms. Despite their negative impacts, confervoid algae also have some beneficial uses, including as a source of biofuel and in bioremediation efforts to clean up polluted waterways.