Mantineae

Mantineae is a tribe of marine algae within the family Oscillatoriaceae, belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria. These filamentous cyanobacteria are characterized by their unbranched, multicellular trichomes, which are typically enclosed within a sheath. The cells within the trichome are usually barrel-shaped or cylindrical and lack specialized differentiating cells like heterocysts or akinetes. Reproduction in Mantineae is primarily asexual, occurring through fragmentation of the trichome, a process called hormogonia formation.

Members of the Mantineae tribe are commonly found in marine environments, inhabiting both shallow and deeper waters. They can form mats or biofilms on various substrates, including rocks, coral, and other algae. Their distribution is widespread, with species identified in tropical, temperate, and even polar regions. Some species of Mantineae play a role in primary production in their ecosystems. Research on Mantineae contributes to our understanding of cyanobacterial diversity, marine microbial ecology, and the evolutionary history of photosynthetic microorganisms. Further studies are ongoing to explore their ecological roles and potential biotechnological applications.