Live Specimens

Specially Prepared “Real-Life” Combinations
The world is teeming with a wide variety of micro life, making studying samples of pond water complicated especially for the beginning student. To lessen the confusion, Ward's has prepared different culture mixes that reflect protist combinations that occur in the real world, yet eliminates the hundreds of other life-forms found in a collected sample.

Anoles (American Chameleons) are tree-dwelling lizards found mostly in the southeastern US.

This is the most widely studied Turbellarian, a free-living flatworm commonly used in science fair projects.

Daphnia are a widely studied small crustacean used for a number of physiology studies including the effects of drugs on heartbeat and temperature on metabolism.

Very large ciliate. Feeds on colpidium. Hay medium.
Characterized by cilia; nearly all possess two types of nuclei.

This organism is easily recognized by its trumpet-shape and blue coloration. It is quite large (approx. 2 mm) and is a good option for students that are just starting to look at the microscopic world.

This organism is easily recognized by its trumpet-shape, and can commonly be found in freshwater ponds and streams. It reproduces by budding.

Study the Rotifera under your microscope to discover the variety of structures among them. Subculture them in Alfalfa or Hay medium to increase your supply. Species may vary based on availability.

Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae with chloroplasts arranged in a helical (spiral) pattern.

An excellent aquarium oxygenator, great for teaching respiration, photosynthesis, and plasmolysis.

Ward's® Live Diatom cultures

Specially Prepared 'Real-Life' Combinations

Pink to bright rose color.
Characterized by cilia; nearly all possess two types of nuclei.

Paramecium bursaria is a ciliate that contains mutualistic algae called Zoochlorella. The algae lives in the cytoplasma of the Paramecium and provides it with food. Paramecium bursaria grows in Dilute Alfalfa Medium (Hay Medium) or Soil Water Medium. Requires light for growth.

Paramecium multimicronucleatumis one of the largest species of Paramecium. This ciliate contains a single macronucleus and four or more micronuclei. Grows in Dilute Alfalfa medium (Hay Medium).

A very large Protozoa that graphically demonstrates the basic animal cell.

Live Cultures are supplied with media in 16 x 125 mm tubes, 2 oz. jars, or 8 oz. jars. Fast delivery is available directly from our laboratory. Please specify a delivery date.

Each culture shipment is prepared in our laboratories and includes the "Working with Protozoans" manual which contains detailed instructions for subculturing and use.

Canadian Customers:
CFIA and PHAC regulations require customers to submit a completed inspection checklist and signed statement of facilities compliance before receiving certain cultures. A customer service representative will contact you if documentation is required.

Our cultures undergo strict biochemical screening and are unconditionally guaranteed for species and purity. Each culture is labeled with scientific name, media on which it was cultivated and optimum growth temperature. Although our cultures are considered non-pathogenic, standard bacteriological laboratory procedures should be used at all times. Cultures are available either live for immediate use or freeze-dried for convenient storage until needed. (Please note: We are not responsible for any infection resulting from the use of our cultures.)