Glossary

microorganism

Organism that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Typically unicellular, e.g., baceria, protozoa, some algae.

Used in 94 species profiles

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Related terms

algae
A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and including seaweeds, diatoms, and Spirogyra. They're photosynthetic, like plants, and the majority are aquatic.
bacteria
Large group of prokaryotic microorganisms representing one of the three domains of living organisms. Present in the majority of Earth's habitats as well as organic matter and the bodies of live animals. Most are harmless, some beneficial and others pathogenic.
biofilm
Aggregate of microorganisms adhering to one another and forming a complex, carpeting structure on living or non-living solid surfaces. Often associated with surfaces that are submerged or regularly in contact with water.
biofilter
Pollution control technique employing living matter to capture and biologically degrade potential pollutants. Aquarium biofilters tend to contain a medium with a large specific surface area (SSA) favouring colonisation by billions of beneficial microorganisms.
cilium
Microscopic, hairlike process formed on the surface of some cells and unicellular organisms. Capable of rhythmical beating and used for movement by some microorganisms.
culture
Cultivation of soil or other growth medium; captive breeding of animals or plants; growing of microorganisms or other live tissue in a nutrient medium or when referring to such a colony.
denitrification
Reduction of nitrates to nitrites and ammonia by the breakdown of nitrogenous compounds, or conversion of nitrates into nitrogen-containing gases. Usually carried out by microorganisms.
formanifera
Phylum of amoeboid microorganisms and a common constituent of marine plankton.
fungi
Kingdom of eukaryotic microorganisms lacking chlorophyll and vascular tissue and possessing chitinous cell walls. Highly variable in form and includes all yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
Indian almond leaf
Vernacular name for leaves of the leadwood tropical tree species Terminalia catappa which are commonly sold dried for use in aquaria because the organic compounds contained within them are considered beneficial for certain fish species. In particular they may aid in simulation of blackwater conditions and inhibit the growth of some undesirable microorganisms, as well as proving an effective addition to a natural-looking display. Also known as Ketapang leaf, presumably in reference to the city of that name in West Kalimantan province, Indonesian Borneo.
infusoria
Collective term for certain members of the protozoan Phylum Ciliophora, of which it is considered a subclass in certain classification systems. Members naturally inhabit infusions of decomposing organic material and some are cultured by aquarists in order to feed very small fish fry. The name was formerly applied to a much larger group of aquatic microorganisms which also included some other protist groups and unicellular algae.
live sand
Type of substrate mostly used in marine aquaria collected directly from natural marine habiats and packaged in such a way as to maintain the resident microorganisms. Significantly reduces the time required to mature a new aquarium.
nitrates
Any salt or ester of nitric acid, and the end product of the portion of the nitrogen cycle taking place in most closed aquarium systems (the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas in natural systems is carried out by anaerobic microorganisms not normally present in sufficient numbers in aquaria, though this process can be induced by installation of a nitrate reactor). While nitrates are less toxic than ammonia or nitrites, they are still potentially harmful to fishes and other aquatic organisms if allowed to accumulate unchecked, and must therefore be diluted via regular water changes. Aquatic plants also help since they are able to metabolise nitrates to an extent.
pathogen
Any agent causing disease or infection, especially a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism.
phytoplankton
The photosynthesizing constituent of a planktonic community, consisting of algae, cyanobacteria and other microorganisms.
protozoa
Plural of protozoan.

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