Individual cyanobacteria are small and do not form long, filamentous networks. Cyanobacteria can cluster together to form scums or mats, but these can be broken up when disturbed. Algae often form long, hair-like networks that cling together. Aquatic plants are generally much larger, attach to the bottom of the water body, and have extensive stem and leaf networks. DEQ has provided easy tests to distinguish between cyanobacteria and algae in the resources section of this webpage.