What is the best way to identify microbes?

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steve
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Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 3:58 pm

What is the best way to identify microbes?

Post by steve »

Hi all,

I have recently gotten interested in microscopy - I bought a microscope a while ago to try and get a closer look at some tiny creatures in my invertebrate tank, and the other day I decided to have a look at some stagnant water from my garden. Now I can't stop hunting for tiny little creatures, but I am finding it difficult to identify some of them.

How do you normally go about identifying organisms that you have never seen before? I have been able to identify most of what I have found but the following photo has got me stuck:

Image

It is quite large (compared to the other creatures in the sample) and was moving slowly to the right in that photograph. Is it some kind of algae?

Would you recommend buying a textbook to help identify things I have never seen before? Or is there a good resource on the net that I can use?

Cactusdave
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Location: Bromley, Kent, UK

Post by Cactusdave »

That's a diatom, and yes it's a kind of alga. It's hard to recommend a general book for identifying microscopic life in freshwater, though there are many good specialist books. I do find this a good guide for protozoa though http://www.amazon.com/Free-Living-Fresh ... 0470235675 . This site is a good source of books on all aspects of microscopy, especially older and more specialist ones. http://www.savonabooks.free-online.co.uk/
Leitz Ortholux 1, Zeiss standard, Nikon Diaphot inverted, Canon photographic gear

rjlittlefield
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Post by rjlittlefield »

Steve, welcome aboard!

For general introduction, try http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... iologyimmu and look at the "Frequently bought together" items.

--Rik

steve
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 3:58 pm

Post by steve »

Thanks guys - I thought it looked like a diatom, but for some reason I thought that diatoms were always small and couldn't move.

I found that book (Free Living Freshwater Protozoa) on amazon earlier but I'm not sure if I want to spend £40 on a book just yet. I suppose I can always ask on here if I get stuck!

rjlittlefield
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Post by rjlittlefield »

See video HERE. For more, search on diatom movement.

--Rik

Bob Ballantyne
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Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 12:08 pm
Location: Pennsylvania

Post by Bob Ballantyne »

Here's one on Protozoa that is a great guide. You'll find it at various prices, but they can be bought for $5.00 USD + shipping through Amazon and others.

How to Know the Protozoa. 2nd Ed by Theodore L. Jahn
Bob Ballantyne
Retired H.S. and Community College
Biology Instructor

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