amoeba blog

One of the most enigmatic microscopic life forms is the amoeba. Almost everyone knows what amoeba are, which is quite remarkable since they are not that common. Microorganisms like rotifers are much easier to find but drop the name 'rotifer' in a conversation and most people will not know what you are talking about. But mention the word 'amoeba' and people will say: 'Yes, you mean those critters that can take any shape they like!'
They are legendary as the ultimate 'shape shifters'. Despite their good publicity they remain much of a mystery. It is even quite hard to find them. They are easily overlooked since they are so transparent or not recognized as living organisms since they often resemble decaying organic remains.

Some time ago I was asked if I could produce a series of images of microorganisms such as the Hydra, Paramecium and an Amoeba. I had to confess that I had never photographed an amoeba. So I tried to find out how to catch them. I read about the following method: Hold a jar upside down under water until it is situated just above the bottom of a pond. Then slowly tilt the jar to let the air escape. This way the top layer of the soil on the bottom of the pond will be sucked inside the jar. Many amoebas inhabit this top layer of decaying organic material.