This week I observed quite a number of microorganisms in my MicroAquarium. While there appeared to be a few organisms around the middle layer of the tank, the majority of the ones that I was able to observe were towards the bottom of the tank and in the sediment. Dr. McFarland helped me to identify a stationary diatom at the bottom of my tank. It has a silica cell wall, and is single celled. It was shaped like an oval and yellow-green in color. I also identified a roundworm nematode close to the area of the diatom (Van Egmond). It was whipping around in the sediment and attempting to burrow into it.
Near the bottom of the tank I also found two moving Rotifer euchlanis sp (Smith 143). They were moving in somewhat circular motions, but both would also occasionally move further up in the tank. They appeared to have cilia on them and were somewhat round in shape. I also observed what appeared to be a gastrotrich (Micrographia). It was found circling around the sediment at the bottom of the tank, where it eventually burrowed into it.
In other areas of the tank, especially towards the middle layer, I was able to find a variety of green algae that has begun to form. I also found a few single celled, clear, round organisms that were moving in circles around the bottom of the tank. I was not able to identify them, but hope to be able to during my next round of observations.
References:
Micrographia. "Gastrotrichs." Microphagia. 21 Oct. 2011. Web.
Smith, Douglas Grant. Pennak's Freshwater Invertebrates of the United States: Porifera to Crustacea.
New York: Wiley, 2001. Print.
Van Egmond, Wim. "Worms." Microscopy-UK. 21 Oct. 2011. Web.
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