Strange organism

[macnmotion]

While you're welcome to watch the entire video, I'm puzzled by the organisms beginning at 2:27. The movement is similar to Amoeba but it doesn't look like any Amoeba I've seen. Since there are Hydra in this sample I wondered if these were young ones? There were a number of them on this single slide. Pond water, oil immersion. The final scene gives a real good look. Make sure to watch in HD.

[Bruce Taylor]

It is Vampyrella, a cercozoan amoeboid that feeds on filamentous green algae.

[ddy5]

Fascinating video and impressive diversity of creatures. Could you say a bit more about the collection site?

[macnmotion]

It is Vampyrella, a cercozoan amoeboid that feeds on filamentous green algae.

Thanks Bruce! I've found many more, putting together a good collection for a solo video

[macnmotion]

Fascinating video and impressive diversity of creatures. Could you say a bit more about the collection site?

Thanks. This is a slide from my 7 week old pond water microorganism aquarium. I set this up beginning with pond water, floating plants and a piece of wood from a fishing pond outside of Bangkok, supplemented the 5 gallon tank with an air stone, a couple rocks, some rooted plants and 10 small shrimp. Of course there are pond snails in the tank but I do my best to keep them in check. The tank is topped off with tap water, and I do a 10-15% water change weekly. No filter, the plants do a great job keeping the chemistry in check. The tank sits underneath a plant light I use for hydroponic chilis. I take samples mostly from the roots of the floating plants. Here is a look at the tank tonight -- I've had som algae growth that needs a bit of cleanup, and the roots are getting a little bit out of control, I may have to trim them.

pond water aquarium face on sm.jpg (193.6 KiB) Viewed 1835 times

pond water aquarium face on sm.jpg (193.6 KiB) Viewed 1835 times

[Bruce Taylor]

Actually....I've just watched the whole segment, and realize that I was too hasty. When I saw the video this morning, I only watched the first few seconds, before running out to the store. After watching the rest of the video, I think this is a different vampyrellid, Leptophrys vorax (previously known as Vampyrella vorax). The paler color and very changeable body are more characteristic of that species. Sorry for the confusion!

[ddy5]

macnmotion -

Thanks for all the information on your indoor pond! It looks like you've been very successful at keeping the ecology stable - not an easy task.

Cheers, David

[Wes]

Your videos are remarkably sharp and clear. Even without fancy contrasting techniques you can pick up very fine details. Love the aquarium too!

[PeteM]

Your videos are remarkably sharp and clear. Even without fancy contrasting techniques you can pick up very fine details. Love the aquarium too!

I'll second that praise. Beautifully composed and shot videos most every time. Thanks.

[macnmotion]

Thanks everyone. I'm doing the best I can with my brightfield and phase contrast setup.