Observations from November 18th

On November 18th the tank's population of motile organisms was significantly reduced while the growth of bacterias and algae was largely unchanged.  The water level in the tank had also been reduced significantly, leaving the tank roughly half full.

This green algae was present in moderate quantities in the aquarium. (Forest 1954)

Epalxis spp. can be distinguished by the cilia and the cleft on the organism.  Pictures of this organism were relatively difficult to obtain due to their high movement speed.  Populations of this organism were considerably higher than most other organisms. (Patterson 2003)

Populations of this organism were moderate, though slightly smaller than those of previous weeks. (Patterson 2003)

Nodularia is a cyanobacteria that is easily distinguishable by the joints present on the filaments. (Forest 1954)

This organism was seen for the first time this week and only one Paramecium was seen. (Patterson 2003)

This algae was was present in large quantities throughout the entire aquarium. (Forest 1954)

Although several Tachysoma were present this week, their numbers were also significantly reduced. (Patterson 2003)

This Rotifer was characterized by a rather lumpy bodily appearance and two long toes.

This casing was likely the egg of a Rotifer, the organism inside could be seen rotating, but the overall encasement was stationary.

This Rotifer, though somewhat similar to the other unidentified Rotifer, was smaller when compared to other Rotifers seen, also this Rotifer seemed to have a much lighter appearance and longer toes.

This Rotifer was seen tunneling into a plant present within the aquarium, an accurate identification was difficult since the Rotifer never left its tunnel.

Citations 

Forest S. 1954. Handbook of Algae. Knoxville. The University of Tennessee Press.

McFarland, Kenneth [Internet] Botany 111 Fall 2014. [cited 11/26/2014]. Available from              http://botany1112014.blogspot.com/

Patterson DJ. 2003. Free-living Freshwater Protozoa. Washington DC. ASM Press.