Ultrastructure:
Taxonomic position, higher hierarchy:
Cyanophyceae, Chroococcales, Hyellaceae, Hyelloideae
Notes to taxonomy, misinterpretations:
Waterbury & Stanier (1978) studied twelve Pleurocapsa strains (eleven of marine origin, one moderate thermophile from a hot spring) and divided them into two subgroups according to morphological changes during the life cycle and reproduction strategy (see also Waterbury 1989). However, the «subgroup I» corresponds rather to the life cycle of Hyella. According to their description, at least three traditional species from the subgroup I (mcluding the mentioned type from hot springs) and one from the subgroup II are recognizable. Unfortunately, they did not define their strains (and species) taxonomically.
Ecology, ecophysiology, ecological significance:
Komárek (1992): Type species and several other taxa known from the sea littorals (surf- or intertidal zones); freshwater species known usually from clear mounta,in streams or from the stony surf zones of not polluted lakes and water reservoirs, all over the world. Majority of species grow on limestone substrates.