Brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) submerged in Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015Brittle naiad, bushy pondweed, marine naiad, spiny naiad, water-nymph
Najas marina is a species of aquatic plant known by the common names spiny water nymph and holly-leaved naiad. It is an extremely widespread species, reported across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas and many oceanic islands. It can be found in many types of freshwater and brackish aquatic habitat, including bodies of alkaline water.[+]
Najas marina, also known as marine naiad or seaweed, is a submerged aquatic plant that grows in freshwater and brackish environments. In Qatar, it has been found in coastal areas, particularly in mangrove swamps and tidal flats. Studies have reported its presence in locations such as the Al Thakira area and the northeastern coast of Qatar. Najas marina is a significant component of Qatar's marine ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various aquatic species. Its growth in Qatar's waters suggests a relatively healthy environment, as it is sensitive to water pollution and salinity levels.
Brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) submerged in Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) extracted from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Toothed leaves of brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) extracted from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Toothed leaves of brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) with serrate edges taken from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) with roots taken from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) on dark background taken from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Toothed leaves of brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) on dark background taken from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Spiny leaves of brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) from Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds. Doha, Qatar, February 27, 2015
Dried aquatic plants of brittle naiad (Najas marina) in caked mud of Abu Nakhla jail ponds (sewage lagoons). Qatar, April 18, 2015
Dried aquatic plants of brittle naiad (Najas marina) on muddy bottom of Abu Nakhla jail ponds (sewage lagoons). Qatar, April 18, 2015
Dying aquatic plant of brittle naiad (Najas marina) in Abu Nakhla jail ponds (sewage lagoons). Qatar, April 18, 2015
Habitat of aquatic plant Brittle naiad (Najas marina) in a pond near the entrance of Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, November 13, 2015
Aquatic plant Brittle naiad (Najas marina) taken from a pond near the entrance of Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, November 13, 2015
Close up of aquatic plant Brittle naiad (Najas marina) taken from a pond near the entrance of Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, November 13, 2015The brittle naiad aquatic plant (Najas marina) was observed in various locations in Qatar, including Abu Nakhla wastewater treatment ponds and a pond near Irkhaya Farms. The plant's toothed leaves with serrate edges were noted, as well as its spiny leaves and roots. In the wastewater treatment ponds, the plant was submerged and later extracted for observation. In contrast, dried plants were found in caked mud and on the muddy bottom of Abu Nakhla jail ponds in April 2015. A dying plant was also observed in the same location. Later, in November 2015, the plant was found thriving in a pond near Irkhaya Farms, with close-up observations revealing its detailed structure. The plant's habitat varied from wastewater treatment ponds to natural ponds, showcasing its adaptability. Overall, the observations highlight the plant's characteristics and its presence in different environments in Qatar.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.