ABSTRACT
Spirulina maxima Geitler and S. platensis Geitler are planktonic cyanobacteria that form massive populations in tropical and subtropical water bodies characterized by high levels of carbonate and bicarbonate and high pH (up to 11) (Busson, 1971; atis, 1970, 1971, 1980; Rich, 1931, 1933; LConard and Compkre, 1967; Marty and Busson, 1970; ClCment, 1971, 1975; Durand-Chastel, 1980; GuCrin-Dumartrait and Moyse, 1976). While S. platensis seems to be a more widely distributed species, mainly found in Africa, but also in Asia and South America, S. maxima (syn. S. geitleri) appears to be essentially confined to Central America. This latter species represents the main component of the phytoplankton of Lake Texcoco, which could be regarded as the original habitat of this species (Busson, 1971; ClCment, 1975; Durand-Chastel, 1980; GuCrin-Dumartrait and Moyse, 1976). Similarly, the alkaline saline lakes of the semidesert Sudan-Sahel zone, with epicenter in Lake Chad, and those of the Rift Valley, dominated by S. platensis water blooms, can be considered the starting points of this species (Iltis, 1970, 1971, 1980; Rich, 1931, 1933; Uonard and Com@re, 1967; Marty and Busson, 1970; ClCment, 1971, 1975; GuCrin-Dumartrait and Moyse, 1976).
