Fifth Observation of MicroAquarium

In this fifth and final observation of the MicroAquarium, Discomorpha, which is a flagellate and Anabeana, which is a diatom were identified (Pennak 1989). This observation was taken on November 12th. Decomposing green algae was observed, along with several other dead organisms, such as Phialina. Air bubbles and rapidly moving ciliates were still present in the aquarium. Amoebas, nematodes, and vortacella could still be seen, as well. No new pictures were taken with this week's observation. What organisms left in the aquarium were very small, and it was hard to get a well focused picture. The nematodes and the ciliates were the only organisms moving. The picture on the top is of Discomorpha, cyanobacteria, and diatoms, while the picture on the bottom contains the diatom, Anabeana. These pictures were taken during a previous observation.

Pennak RW. 1989. Freshwater Invertebrates of the United States Protozoa to Mollusca. New York (NY): John Wiley and Sons. p. 81.

Fourth Observation of MicroAquarium

The MicroAquarium was observed for the fourth time on November 5th. Several clusters of dead organisms, such as Phialina were seen in the bottom of the aquarium. Phialina are torpedo shaped ciliates (Ward, Whipple 1918). The leaf residue had fully settled to the bottom of the aquarium and some of the water was gone. Air bubbles, ciliates, and halterians, which are flagellates were still present. A cyanobacteria with a heterocyst and decompsing green algae were also viewed. Some new organisms that were identified were Vorticella, Chania teres, and Coleochota irregularis (Forest 1954). All of these organisms were identified with the help of Dr. McFarland. More water was added at the end of my observation. From top to bottom the pictures are of Vorticella and Coleochaete irregularis.

Ward HB, Whipple GC. 1918. Freshwater Biology. NewYork (NY): John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

p. 272.

Forest HS. 1954. HandBook of Algae. Knoxville (TN): The University of Tennessee Press. p. 89.