In this video we take a look at the Rural Pond Ecosphere I made back in December. The water within the ecosphere was previously too murky to film so I had to wait an extra month for it to clear up a bit. (Sorry for the wait.)

This ecosphere hosts a variety of organisms. The main prey species are both Water Hoglouse and Dwarf Amphipods. These species help keep the ecosphere free of detritus and ensure that they predators of the ecosystem do not starve. They have been breeding a LOT within this ecosphere and I see babies all over the glass whenever I look into it.

The predators include two different species of leech. Both seem to be individuals. I suspect there isn't any possibility of breeding populations. Another predator present are the flatworms. There is a large selection of species of different colours and shapes. The most magniciant of them all being the Milk White Planarian (dendrocoelum lacteum).

As far as I can see there is only one plant species, which is the Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides). It stays exclusively on the waters surface. Curiously I've witnessed both Amphipods and Isopods venture out of the water and up the plants or glass. Some even die due to being wedged between the glass and leaves. I don't know what causes them to climb onto land, but I assume it may be molting related.

Copepods and Green Stentors are still present within this ecosphere. I did film a strange green organism. I suspected it may be a Stentor, but it was circular instead of a trumpet shape. Hopefully somebody helps ID them. :)

I find it fascinating that the ecosystem is ruled by predatory worms, whilst the isopods and amphipods are the prey. You always think of worms as prey, never the predators. Hope you guys enjoyed the video!

Watch the creation video of this ecosphere here:
   • Creating a Rural Pond ECOSPHERE in th...