cyanobacteria dangerous to humans?

Hi All,

Is the cyano bacteria that grows in our home tanks dangerous to humans? I know some types are, which is why beaches and other water sources are sometimes closed to swimming, fishing, etc.

Just had this question while I was pulling a bunch of it out of my tank last night.

Thanks!

 

No. But there are poisonous dinoflagellates. I.e. red tide. (That's why clean up critters won't touch them)

 

I'll have to look up what the poisonous dinoflagellates look like, because my clean up crew won't touch my cyano. Are the poisonous kind common? Also, if it is dinoflagellates instead of red slime, would it kill the fish? Would it be pretty apparent early on?

 

It looks like a thick green or brown (or sometimes greenish brown) thick snot with bubbles in it. Cyano is usually a thin layer and is usually maroon or black.

 

Whoah, YES!! Cyanobacteria (aka blue-green algae) can be poisonous to mammals!


Depending on the amount, what kind, and it's toxic levels. It can be anything from a rash and skin irritation to straight up severe illness and death. Yikes!

It has been exploding up here in Northern Cali. A handful of dogs had died this summer so they closed down 4 out of 6 rivers in the County before the end of August...

Here's some reading material on California's problem. I assume it's the same any where:

Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Blooms

EDIT: Okay...stupid me. After re-reading your post, i realized that you were asking about the stuff in your Aquarium...DUH! Hehe, not so sure about that...but I wouldn't eat it or drink your saltwater, just in case...hehe

 

Well, that's why I am worried, because I know how dangerous it can be in lakes, oceans, etc. While I was grabbing it out of the tank, and cleaning it off some rocks in the kitchen sink, I had this horrible thought that it could be dangerous to me! I can't find anything on the internet about the type in home aquariums as being toxic, so I'll assume it's not but take precautions. Gosh, there's always something to worry about!

 

Okay, the stuff in my tank is maroon/scarlet red and fuzzy. It also comes off in small sheets and grows back extremely fast. I was hoping my CUC would help eat it, but no.

Thanks for the help!