Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

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smollerthings
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Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#1 Post by smollerthings » Tue Sep 14, 2021 12:50 pm

Day 3 of my tiny aquarium experiment. (viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13677)

All the critters are getting established in there and have their favorite spot to hang.

Bob the mosquito has his own hunting spot set up near the sea shore (border of the cover glass) where there are a bunch of paramecia chillin'. He yums on them. If you want to see Bob catching a paramecium, go to sec 48 of the video.



The cat like behavior amazes me. :shock:
Last edited by smollerthings on Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

dtsh
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#2 Post by dtsh » Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:14 pm

Are you sure that's a mosquito? It looks like a chironomind to me, but admittedly I'm no expert. Either way, nice video.

What instrument and camera setup are you using?

smollerthings
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#3 Post by smollerthings » Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:01 pm

Thanks for pointing out the real species!

I am a green newbie, I have no idea if it really is a mosquito larva, I don't even think it is a paramecium. :D I am waiting for pros to come and identify those critters. :lol:

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actinophrys
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#4 Post by actinophrys » Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:52 am

Definitely a chironomid, or midge as they are called. They are related to mosquitos but the larvae live in different kinds of water and the adults don't bite.

Not all the ciliates are clear but the one that gets eaten is a type of hypotrich, which are generally flattened ciliates that use cirri (compound cilia) like little legs to crawl on surfaces. Unfortunately most different types are very hard to tell apart beyond that. True Paramecium would be cylindrical with an oral groove.

Good work capturing this dramatic attack. :)

DonSchaeffer
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#5 Post by DonSchaeffer » Wed Sep 15, 2021 5:25 am

Neat title though! I love the video.

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Wes
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#6 Post by Wes » Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:46 am

Very cool!
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smollerthings
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#7 Post by smollerthings » Wed Sep 15, 2021 9:29 am

Alright Bob called, he was flustered and wants everyone to know he is actually a midge (chironomid).
The family of the deceased also said he wants to be remembered as a loving hypotrich.

By the way, every novice should go and check actinophrys' guide which is super helpful.
http://microlife.parvarium.com

Lomonaut
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Re: Bob the mosquito munching on a paramecium

#8 Post by Lomonaut » Fri Sep 17, 2021 7:26 pm

Well done! Bob has a big appetite.

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