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Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a freshwater cyanobacterium.

Introduction
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is an aquatic photosynthetic bacterium belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria. It produces chained filaments known as trichomes that can show variation in morphology, varying from about 50-300 µm in length. These bacteria can also produce a thick walled, cylindrical, spore like structure known as akinetes, which also demonstrate variation in morphology Some strains of this species are able to produce several toxins that affect humans: cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a and saxitoxin. This first toxin, cylindrospermopsin, has the ability to affect the liver and kidneys in humans as well as cause mild skin reactions upon exposure. The last two toxins, anatoxin-a and saxitoxin, are thought to be shellfish neurotoxins. Research has shown that C. raciborskii can naturally produce butylated hydroxytoluene, an antioxidant, food additive, and industrial chemical.

Ecology
This bacterium is a freshwater cyanobacterium often found in tropical regions, but it can be also found in more temperate locations such as the Great Lakes located in North America. /> The bacterium has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen as well as absorb and store phosphorus. These abilities are advantageous to its survival in deep bodies of water where it has to compete for light. Under environmental stresses such as cool temperatures or low nutrients, the bacteria has the ability to form its spore like structure known as akinetes. These akinetes can persist in sediment for long periods of time, and are able to germinate once water temperatures rise to the appropriate level. The bacteria prefer temperatures ranging from 25–30°C, light intensity of 80–121 µmol m-2 s-1, and a maximum salinity concentration of 4 g L-1 NaCl. The levels of the bacteria typically stay relatively low throughout the summer, however it can be associated with very high concentrations under certain conditions. These conditions include: low flow; low water level; low nitrogen to phosphorus ratio; high water temperature; stable thermal stratification; increased retention time; high pH; high sulfate concentration; anoxia in at least some strata; high turbidity; high incident irradiation; and low macrophyte biomass

History
C. raciborskii is thought to have originated in tropical or sub tropical regions. However it has recently been discovered in temperate climates. The strain found in North America is thought to have originated in South America and it is believed that climate change is a factor behind the expansion of the bacteria’s range. So far there have been no documented effects of the species being present in the Great Lakes. However, it has been linked to liver damage and even death in humans after the contamination of water supplies. It has also been linked to fish kills in Brazil, cattle death is Australia, reduction of zooplankton in Florida, as well as toxicity to some shellfish, such as crawfish, in which it accumulates in.