October 23rd Observations

Yesterday I was able to make my first observations since the initial setup of my micro-aquarium.  There were several living single celled organisms moving throughout as well as many dead organisms.  Immediately after the setup of the micro-aquarium most of the organisms seemed to be in the vicinity of the soil, but now, although they have spread throughout, they are mostly in the area around the moss and bladderwort.

Litonotus sp

The first organism, which I was able to observe several of, was the Litonotus sp. (Patterson fig. 285)  Although these guys are free-living and moving about quickly, I observed them most frequently near the bladderwort.  My best guess is that most of their available food at this point is hanging out in the areas around the plants.  The movement of the Litonotus sp is similar to a slinky motion as it contracts on itself and then stretches out to propel itself in different directions.

 

Euchlanis sp  

 The next organism I observed several of was the Euchlanis sp (Pennak, pg 171, fig 2) which were in fairly close proximity to the Litonotus sp.  The Euchlanis sp is a Rotifer with a foot, that looks more similar to a tail, and two toes that it uses to propel itself around its aquatic environment.  In the picture below you can differentiate the head, body and foot and because of its transparent body, can actually make out the brain and other microscopic organs.

   Other organisms and observations

One of the most exciting observations I made was of some sort of Annelid (Pennak 1953).  This worm like creature is massive in comparison to the aforementioned organisms.  Unfortunately, too much of the creature was obscured by the plant it was attached to to properly identify it.  I also observed several nematodes that move rapidly and sporadically as they seem to fold onto themselves and jerk and shoot randomly about.  Unfortunately, this sporadic motion made it nearly impossible to capture a clear image for the purpose of identification.