Observation: November 10

The paramecium bursaria in the micro aquarium have grown continuously throughout observation. This week was no different.  They have become even larger than the rotifers (daphnia) and seem to be the largest motile organisms in the environment.  Along with the paramecium bursaria, both plants have grown, developing new tissues.  However, with this new growth has come some decline in the life within the aquarium.  In general, it has taken on a less vibrant atmosphere, and many organisms have begun to turn brown; a stillness has occurred in certain areas, namely around the beta food pellet and in the soil.  The plants are beginning to wilt in certain areas, too, but for the most part, they have remained the centers for activity.

A new organism caught my attention during this observation.  I followed it for quite awhile but eventually lost it.  It was brown and reddish in color, and it was very motile.  Unfortunately, I could not identify the organism after losing it in my view, but from its appearance and behavior, I suspect it is a planaria of some sort.  As for the rest of the organisms in my mini environment, they seem to congregate in the middle to upper part of the aquarium.  The bottom portion with the soil seems to be a graveyard for dead rotifers and other organisms.  The actinosphaerium are growing and becoming more active, and the diatoms mentioned last week have grown and become greater in number.

Below are pictures of the actinosphaerium and paramecium bursaria that inhabit my aquarium: