observations 10/21/09

obervations 10/21/09

New organisms observed were diaptomus, cyclops, rotifer, and a midge.

Cyclops:Where to find them : Planktonic, or amongst plants, organic matter etc.Cyclops is one of the easiest pond creatures to see and identify even with the naked eye. The female often carries a pair of egg sacs and is a fast swimmer! It possesses just one eye hence it was named after the Greek mythological creature of this name.They are usually a drab green or brown but can be quite brightly coloured. Another common copepod Diaptomus has one egg sac, longer antennae, and long thin body. References and identification obtained from: (http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?)(http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/ponddip/cyclops.html)

Rotifer:Rotifers are multicelled animals.Rotifers are so transparent that all these organs can be observed easily. They have one or two light sensitive red eye spots.
There is an enormous variety of spectacular body shapes, all to suit the different lifestyles or environmental conditions. Because many species make so-called resting spores which are easily carried by the wind, they can be found anywhere if there is a little bit of water. Even in a roof gutter or in birdbaths.References and identification from: http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/wimsmall/rotidr.html

Midge larvae:Midges are small flying insects that closely resemble mosquitoes. These insects pose no threat to pets or people and are an important part of the food chain for local and migratory waterfowl.References and identification from: http://www.mosquitoes.org/Midge.html


Diaptomus: Currently searching for better information source.

-Also observed was an increase in small organisms in the pods of the carnivourous plants.

-One pellet of fish food was added to the aquarium.(10/21/09)
("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%.)