Observations of Micro Aquarium Week 3

Observations on Wednesday October 30th 2013. This week the middle to the top of the micro aquarium was observed. Micro organisms are still very abundant and active near the bottom, but in the middle to the top of the micro aquarium there is a copious amount in week 3 compared to week 2 observation. Some micro organisms seen are subjectively identified as diatoms and amoebas, and are very abundant in all areas of the micro aquarium. Identified micro organisms are below with pictures and some characteristics. Figures 1 and 2 were identified with the book Free-Living Freshwater Protozoa, by D. J. Patterson, and figure 3 was identified with the book Fresh-Water Invertebrates of the United States, by Ph. D. Ronald W. Pennak.

 Figure 1. Vorticella sp. Seen attached to Amblestegium varium (Hedwig) Lindberg plant near the middle top of the micro 
                 aquarium. (McFarland 2013) 

Figure 2. Cyclidium sp. Seen stationary at the top of the micro aquarium. A suspension feeding scuticociliate. 
               (Patterson 2003)

Figure 3. Euchlanis Rotifer sp. Seen moving around the top and middle of micro aquarium.  

References:

Botany Lab at UTK. Room 507. October 30, 2013. Figures 1-3.

McFarland, Kenneth [Internet] Botany 111 Fall 2013. [cited 11/4/13]. Available from http://botany1112013.blogspot.com/ In text citation. (McFarland, 2013)


Patterson D J. 2003. Free-Living Freshwater Protozoa. 2nd ed. reprinted by 1752 N Street NW, Washington DC (VA): AMS Press. 113, 149 p.
 
Pennak Ph.D. R W. 1953. Fresh-Water Invertebrates of the United States. 1st ed. New York (NY): The Ronald Press Company. 170, 171 p.