Week 2 Observations

There were many more organisms present during this week's observation. More single celled organisms were seen swimming in circular patterns through the water. There were also larger organisms, though currently unidentified, that remained close to the plants. They seemed to move along the plants using small legs. When they needed to move to a different plant, they tumbled through the water. More nematodes were visible this week, also. while some of them remained close to the plants, most of them swam throughout the pond scum. They also grew in size. There were a few "spinner" organisms and a great deal of diatoms. A number of feeders were present inside of a seed strip carcass. Some of these organisms were Halteria and Colpidium. The Halteria are cilia lined on their outsides (Patterson 1996). They propel themselves in a jerking motion. The Colpidium have contractile vacuoles and use their cilia to bring food into the food vacuoles (Patterson 1996). After observing the MicroAquarium, one beta food pellet was added. "Atison's Betta Food" is made by Ocean Nutrition, Aqua Pet Americas, 3528 West 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Ingredients: Fish meal, wheat flower, soy meal, krill meal, minerals, vitamins and preservatives. Analysis: Crude Protein 36%; Crude fat 4.5%; Crude Fiber 3.5%; Moisture 8% and Ash 15%. Information on Halteria and Colpidium came from: Patterson DJ. 1996. Free-Living Freshwater Protozoa: A Colour Guide. Mason Publishing Ltd. p. 139 & 151.