Ornamental Fish Production and Management

7.1.6 Collection and culture of Infusoria

Collection :

Infusoria belong to the class Ciliata under the phylum Protozoa. They serve ideally as starter feed for early stages of ornamental fishes. The tiny microscopic one celled animalcules like Paramaecium are collectively called Infusoria. They are found in ponds, tanks and ditches. They can be easily collected with 0.13 mm mesh cloth.

Culture of Infusoria :

By using Banana peelings, cabbage, potato, hay, lettuce leaves :

Any one of the above material is kept in a container filled with water. The container is covered to prevent the entry of mosquitoes but air should be allowed. The container is kept in a cool place. In two days the water will turn milky and have foul smell. This is due to the multiplication of bacteria which decay the material. A film of slime will be formed on the water surface. In about 4 or 5 days the water will turn clear, with light yellow colour. This is because of the floating spores of Infusoria in the air which have settled in the water and are feeding upon the bacteria and multiply. Subsequently the film of slime on the water surface will break up and disintegrate. The culture is now ready for feeding the early stage of fish larve. The culture will continue to flourish for 2 to 3 weeks if a few drops of milk are added.