Mic-UK [site A]: A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life - main page, major freshwater groups
1/27/10 5:57 AM
~ Pond Life Identification Kit ~
A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life
with links to Micscape resources
One of the most rewarding subjects for study with a microscope are freshwater organisms. Simple
collecting methods include squeezing water plants into a jar and for free swimming species, a finemeshed plankton net is recommended. For simple tips see how to collect microscopic pond life.
The table and linked pages are a guide to some common groups of smaller freshwater organisms
(microscopic to a few millimetres in size). If not familiar with an organism, see what drawing and
features it most closely resembles in the table and then follow the links.
The beginner may also like to explore the virtual pond dip; click on the creatures in the jar to learn
about some of the commoner freshwater organisms.
Group
Key features
Micscape links
Bacteria
single celled, dots or strands,
just visible with strongest
magnification, cyanobacteria are
larger
Introduction to bacteria
Spirochaetes
Protozoa
single celled, with tiny hairs or
pseudopodia
Algae
Rotifers
Gastrotrichs
single celled, mostly green,
sometimes yellow-brown
wheel-like, hairy appendages,
transparent, free swimming or
attached 0.2 - 1 mm
two tails, hairy, round mouth
opening
Go to protozoa overview: e.g.
ciliates, amoeba, heliozoa,
euglenoids
Go to algae overview: eg.
flagellates, diatoms, desmids,
filamentous algae
'Smallest page on the web' rotifers
No Micscape resources. (Articles welcomed!)
0.1 - 0.5 mm
Worms
Bryozoa
long thin body, many non
related forms
plant-like or jelly-like colony,
crown of tentacles
individuals: 0.25 - 5 mm
Hydra
green brown or colourless, body
and tentacles contract and
stretch
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html
Go to worms overview: e.g.
flatworms, annelids, nematodes
Bryozoans
Pond fairies - Plumatella repens
Introduction to hydra
Hydra in 3D
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Mic-UK [site A]: A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life - main page, major freshwater groups
Hydra
stretch
extended: 20 mm
8 stumpy legs, slow moving
Water bears
(Tardigrades)
Arthropods
other
Arthropods:
Insect
stages
<1 mm
See gallery links on the right for some of
the finest video clips on the Web of these
cute critters!
jointed limbs; many groups e.g.
crustaceans ('water fleas'),
mites
wide variety of forms
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Hydra oligactis
Video clips of a hydra
Hunting for 'bears' in the backyard
The incredible water bear
Water bear video gallery I
Water bear video gallery II
Go to arthropods overview:
e.g. ostracods, copepods,
water fleas, mites etc.
Go to insect stages overview:
e.g. caddisfly larvae, dragonfly
nymphs, water beetles, etc.
Note: This suite of pages with links hopefully gives a useful overview, but it's neither a formal identification guide nor comprehensive.
It doesn't cover many larger pond organisms (>1mm. e.g. molluscs, sponges, jellyfish etc.). Simple keys to identify these larger
freshwater invertebrates and plants (mosses, water weeds etc.) are widely available (see below).
Introductions to pond-life on Micscape
The smallest page on the web
Micscape resources on other freshwater groups:
Things that don't belong where they are - jellyfish, 'shrimps' and sponges only occur in the sea
- or do they?
Freshwater jellyfish
Freshwater shells - a gallery of some commoner types
Hungry utrics - an intriguing look at the bladderwort (Utricalia), a carnivorous freshwater plant
Some printed resources to identify larger freshwater life (> ca. 1mm)
'Water animal identification keys' by J Eric Marson.
12 pages of simple illustrated keys. 4th edn 1968, reprinted 1998. Available from Northern
Biological Supplies.
'A key to major groups of British freshwater invertebrates' by P S Croft.
47 pages with illustrated keys. Reprint from Field Studies, 1986. Available from the Field
Studies Council.
'A guide to the study of freshwater biology' by J G Needham and P R Needham.
70+ pages with keys and many line drawings to major microscopic and macroscopic plants
and animals.
Available e.g. from Amazon Books.
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html
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