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Tartigrade molting?
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:31 am
by Judge
This Tardigrade is from a week old sample. It's immobile and partly transparent. No movement Inside or out. Could it be a Tardigrade that has is shed it's skin or is in the process? 10X objective.
Thanks for info.
Re: Tartigrade molting?
Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:55 pm
by shutterbug
In unfavourable condiitons, a tardigrade may chose to enter a sort of "sleep" or vegetative state to endure until conditions change. For example that may be due to its environment drying or - as I've seen once - in a low oxygen environment.
I've watched one for half an hour (or longer) in a water drop with a coverglass and its movements gradually slowed down. When I blew in some air from the side it quickly started to move again like before.
Or - it's dead.
Contrary to popular opinion a tardigrade is not immortal or able to live forever - they are a very hardy species and can endure a lot but they can still die from environmental impacts and other reasons, like any other microorganism.
Re: Tartigrade molting?
Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 4:02 pm
by Judge
Thanks, I'll try the air.
Re: Tartigrade molting?
Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 4:40 pm
by Jose Antonio Mena