Nematode and rotifer

[pwnell]

I think most people on the wet coast - sorry, west coast - will know how wet it can be in winter. My balcony has a nice layer of algae growing due to the never ending rains. This makes an ideal breeding place for many organisms. Here are two I found.


20130225-DSLR_IMG_0013.jpg by pwnell, on Flickr
Rotifer, 40x, DIC


20130225-DSLR_IMG_0036.jpg by pwnell, on Flickr
Nematode, 40x, DIC

[flyer2o12]

The nematode is amazing Waldo!!

[pwnell]

The nematode is amazing Waldo!!

Thanks. I have taken hundreds of poor photos of nematodes but they are really difficult (for me) to photograph because they move like crazy. This one was particularly large and compliant - I was lucky.

[Baley]

Nice catch on the rotifer too! Maybe the nematode was just cold.

[darwin]

Hi Waldo,

You can immobilize nematodes by putting them in a drop of water on a microscope slide and then heating the drop of water with a lighter until they stop moving. Stop with heating as soon as they stop moving! Be careful that the flame is not to close to the glass to avoid that the glass will become black. Use enough water so it doesn't evaporate all.

Dieter

[pwnell]

Hi Waldo,

You can immobilize nematodes by putting them in a drop of water on a microscope slide and then heating the drop of water with a lighter until they stop moving. Stop with heating as soon as they stop moving! Be careful that the flame is not to close to the glass to avoid that the glass will become black. Use enough water so it doesn't evaporate all.

Dieter

Stupid question but how would I know they stopped moving? They are way too small to see with the naked eye.

[darwin]

I usually see them with the naked eye. If not, a few seconds are usually enough.

Dieter