10/29/10

On the weekend of 10/24/10 a beta food pellet was added to our microaquariums. The contents of the pellet are as follows:  "Atison's Betta Food" made by Ocean Nutrition, Aqua Pet Americas, 3528 West 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Ingredients: Fish meal, wheat flower, soy meal, krill meal, minerals, vitamins and preservatives. Analysis: Crude Protein 36%; Crude fat 4.5%; Crude Fiber 3.5%; Moisture 8% and Ash 15%."

The above is a diatom. The rectangle shape is just one of the many that this little creature can take. This particular algae can be found in freshwater sources. 

This is the first time I have viewed a desmid in my aquarium. Though they can take many forms, the above is a popular one found in East Tennessee. 

Wolle, Francis. Desmids of the United States and List of American Pediastrums. Bethelehm: Moravian Publication Office, 1884. Print

I noticed an increase in the activity of my aquarium after the pellet was added.