Under the microscope.....what are some things that you might see that are normal flora / fauna?

[Mmathis]

I wanted to look at some algae -- 2 different kind. One was the "floating algae" and one was "string algae." I wish I had a camera attachment for my microscope so I could hook it up to the iPad. I've looked at pond water before, but this time saw things I've never seen. For one thing, "string algae" looks spectacular close-up! Then there were the little balls that looked 3-dimensional like mines. Very pretty.

I saw 2 or 3 different critters, but no idea what they were. They seemed interested in the algae and had "green" insides, so I can only assume they were algae-eaters. One looked like a pickle with a short toothpick stuck in one end. Watching it move, it almost looked like it was rolling over as it moved. Another one [larger than the pickle] looked like Jabba the Hutt! I don't recall what the last one looked like. Sometimes I realized I was looking at my floaters instead of a "bug," so.....

I sure hope these are normal & OK things ["bugs"] to find in a pond, and not parasites! I know there are resident "bugs," but no idea what they would look like.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

You, Milady, have only had a small glimpse of the living wonders in your pond.

 

[MitchM]

I didn't know you had a microscope, TM
Have a look at the algae that you were trying to identify on a different thread vs some pictures available online of cyanobacteria.

 

[Mmathis]

I didn't know you had a microscope, TM
Have a look at the algae that you were trying to identify on a different thread vs some pictures available online of cyanobacteria.

?

You, Milady, have only had a small glimpse of the living wonders in your pond.

Yes, it's amazing! But I'm still learning and one part of that is learning what is normal and what is pathogenic.

 

[MitchM]

?
...

https://www.gardenpondforum.com/threads/dead-algae.17425/


.

 

[Mmathis]

@MitchM Duh! Sorry! For some reason I wasn't reading your comment right and it didn't make sense!

I wish I had thought about doing that then, but that algae (or whatever) is long-gone. But now that I have "microscope" plugged into my brain.....next time anything unusual like that pops up I will take a sample and look at it. Since I can't take pictures, this will be good practice to hone my drawing skills, LOL!

 

[Meyer Jordan]

You may need to invest in a few reference books on specie identification considering the vast diversities involved.

 

[Dave 54]

I have one called the Observers book of pond life but its sadly geared for UK ponds Maggie , I'm glad your experimenting with the things your microscope can do it goes to help train the eye .
Arnt you glad you got it after my threads about microscopes being an important and integral part of our hobby, Mitch I think @bettasangoldfish got one at around the same time .

Dave

 

[Dave 54]

?


Yes, it's amazing! But I'm still learning and one part of that is learning what is normal and what is pathogenic.

Are these some of the things your seeing Maggie or similar too ?