Green diatom in the DIC technique.

[microplan]

Hello
Today the subject of my video is a nice, motionless diatom that posed beautifully in the foreground.
A sample from a forest pond taken two days ago.
The technique is DIC PZO.
Nothing fancy, but I'm happy with my new toy and playing with the colors.
For now I'm filming stationary objects, but I hope that soon something more mobile will be in the frame.

Regards
Maciej

[WWWW]

Hello,

I don't believe this is a diatom.
It is a desmid, namely Closterium spec.
A symmetrical algae.

Grtz,
WWWW

[microplan]

Hello WWWW.

Of course you're right. This is closterium.
I don't know what made me decide to use the wrong name.
Perhaps the fact that there were a lot of diatoms around that are not visible in the frame.
And these diatoms stayed in my subconscious.
Well - I'm just a reckless amateur and I don't see any way to improve.
I apologize to everyone I confused and thank you, WWWW, for pointing out my mistake.
I guess I'll have to reword the topic of my post.

Maciej

[KurtM]

Don't worry about getting the name wrong, it's no big deal, particularly for those new to the hobby. In fact, the most effective way of getting an ID on an unknown critter is to purposely call it by a wrong name - you'll get 20 people correcting it while being lucky to get 1 answer to "what is this?" However, I will say this forum is especially good about answering "what is it?" posts.


While diatoms have long been my favorite subject, desmids are at the top of the list as well for being fascinating and extremely beautiful things.

[microplan]

Hello KurtM.

Thank you very much for your words of encouragement and understanding.
I became interested in microscopic observations some time ago, but I keep discovering something new and fascinating.
There is a lot of material to watch and it is really difficult to make sense of it all.
And this, in my opinion, is the source of various errors that happen to us.
Observing some microorganisms can be extremely addictive.
And diatoms and closterium are such cases.
Perhaps because of the color or the incredible symmetry that can charm you.
And viewing them in special contrast techniques (not only in bright field) can be a real feast for the eyes.
The same also applies to ciliates.
However, when it comes to help on this forum, I have experienced it more than once or twice.
Both when it came to identifying microorganisms and solving technical and equipment problems.
Thank you again and best regards.

Maciej