Rotifer fighting so hard to be free / I am sharing tips on how to capture it too!

Jul 30, 2019 • 2:33 PM UTC

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Microorganisms

Mohamad

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Watching this Wheel -head shape- animal for hours was so spectacular but sad at the same time because it was stock!
Let’s see together if it can be free again to engulf surrounding ciliates?
Edit:
I am adding where I got the sample from + Tips for sampling
In this picture below you can see an area which water is accumulated and left there because of a broken faucet. You can see Algae has grown there and of course hundreds of microscopic organisms.
In my first try, I found Rotifer plus ciliates. Seems this place is perfect environment for microorganisms to grow.

Dark Green Algae is clearly noticeable Some tips to find possible samples:
1- If you are looking for wet mounts takes samples from pond that is not flowing. So the chances are higher to observe something.
(Note* I am not excluding the samples from flowing dirty water or liquids you are free to take from anywhere you want and for sure there will be lots of things to see).

2- For dry samples, it is good to put them in glass > add water then mix well > leave it 24 h > finally take the new sample from the liquid. This will work mostly.

3- Take many samples if possible from different spots.

4- Regarding preparing the slides. Personally, I prefer using one plastic slide and casual Foldscope perforated paper slide. HOW?
I use the paper one to add the sample and fix it to the plastic by a tape to have a good thickness final slide combined (paper + plastic).

5- Try to add as much as small drop by pipette so you keep the lens clean.

6- Gently tape the sample to the paper slide and try avoiding pressure so the sample does not be squeezed.

7- If you are capturing the show bring a table and put the phone on the edge of table so the Foldscope be outside of table on air. This will help you to control Foldscope more easily and efficiently.

8- Lastly: Please be patient and give your self a some time to triple check every corner and hopefully you will have lots of WOW moments!
Have happy watching 🙂