Infusoria

Infusoria is a collective term for minute aquatic creatures like ciliates, euglenoids, protozoa, and unicellular algae that exist in freshwater ponds. In modern formal classifications the term is considered obsolete; and the microorganisms previously included in the Infusoria are mostly assigned to the Kingdom Protista.

Myonemes

In Infusoria and some Flagellates, the differentiated threads of ectosarc, which are contractile and doubly refractive, perform the function of muscular fibres in the Metazoa.

Aquarium use

Infusoria are used by owners of aquariums to feed fish fry; newly hatched fry of many common aquarium species can be successfully raised on this food during early development due to its size and nutritional content. Many home aquaria are unable to naturally supply sufficient Infusoria for fish rearing and hobbyists either create and maintain their own Infusoria cultures or use one of the many commercial cultures available. Infusoria can be cultured by soaking any decomposing vegetative matter like papaya skin into a jar of aged water. The Infusoria culture will be done from 2-3 days depending on temperature and light received. The water will first turn cloudy, but it will clear up once the infusoria eat the bacteria which caused the cloudiness. At this point the Infusoria will be ready, and they will usually be visible to the naked eye as small, white specks swimming in the container.

External links

• Types of Protozoans and video
• Pond Life Identification Kit