WATER NET

any algae that is a member of the genus Hydrodictyon. A water net is a green algae found as a free-floating network of multinucleate cell masses arranged in hexagons or pentagons and up to 20 cm (7.9 inches) in total length. Water nets are usually found floating on the surface of quiet ponds. Sexual reproduction is by fusion of similar gametes (isogamy). Asexual reproduction is by motile zoospores, hundreds of them being contained in each cell and arranged in small netlike structures. When a mature Hydrodictyon net dissociates, each cell liberates a miniature net. Because of its reproductive efficiency, Hydrodictyon proliferates rapidly and is often a problem in ponds, recreational waters, and irrigation canals.