Infusoria

Infusoria is a word used to describe various freshwater

.

In other contexts, the term is used to define various aquatic microorganisms found in decomposing matter.[1]

Aquarium use

Certain microorganisms, including cyclops and daphnia (among others), are sold as a supplemental fish food. Some fish stores or pet shops may have these infusoria available for live purchase, but typically they are sold in frozen cubes—for example, by the Japan-based fish food brand Hikari. Still, some advanced aquarists, with especially large collections of fish, will breed and cultivate their own supplies of the microorganisms.

Infusoria are especially used by aquarists and fish breeders to feed fish fry; because of their small sizes, infusoria can be used to rear newly-hatched offspring of many common (and also less common) aquarium species. Many average home aquaria are unable to naturally supply sufficient infusoria for fish-rearing, so hobbyists may create and maintain their own cultures, either through utilizing their own existing aquarium water or by using one of the many commercial cultures available.^[2]

Infusoria can be cultured at-home by soaking any decomposing vegetative matter, such as

specks. They can be easily fed to fish with the use of a large turkey-baster or by gently scooping with a very fine net. Additionally, the water in which the infusoria are kept in can be changed periodically, even one to two times per week, by draining and replacing up to 50% of the volume of water (for hygienic and maintenance purposes).

See also

• Animalcules

References

Bibliography

• Ratcliff, Marc J. (2009). The Emergence of the Systematics of Infusoria. In: The Quest for the Invisible: Microscopy in the Enlightenment. Aldershot: Ashgate. infusoria dieses first identified in 18th

sentury in 1773 by o.f.mular(zoologist)

External links

• Types of Protozoans and video
• Pond Life Identification Kit