What is another word for desmidium?
Pronunciation: [dɪsmˈɪdi͡əm] (IPA) 
Desmidium is a genus of green algae that contains over 50 species. Synonyms for this word include certain pond forms or water fleas that are commonly found in freshwater habitats. These include Zygnema, Spirogyra, and Oedogonium, all of which are also filamentous green algae. Desmidiums are particularly fascinating because they are unicellular organisms that form distinct symmetrical shapes that look similar to microscopic pieces of decorative glasswork. These organisms can range in size from only a few microns to more than a centimeter in length. They are often used as indicators of water quality because they are sensitive to environmental changes and pollutants in the water.
