Identification of meiofauna
Menntun offers a variety of services concerning identification of marine meiobenthic animals. We offer identification of nematode and copepod species from sediments and phytal habitats. These two groups normally account for more than 90% of total metazoan abundance and species in these environments.
Identification and enumeration of meiofauna
We process meiofauna samples by identifying and enumerating all animals to major meiofaunal taxa and then randomly pick out 120 individuals of both nematodes and copepods for identification to species level, sex and developmental stage. We deliver a spreadsheet with the abundance of major meiofaunal taxa and nematode and copepod species
Preparation of samples: Meiofaunal extracts should be as clean of detritus and sediment particles as possible. Each sample extract should be placed in 70% ethanol solution preferably in an airtight vial with a screwing cap. Sample should be sent to Menntun, C/Cava Alta 9, 2°C, 28005 Madrid, Spain.
Costs: Identification and enumeration to major taxa (Nematoda, Harpacticoida, Cyclopoida, Ostracoda, Turbellaria etc) 30 Û per sample. Identification of nematodes and harpacticoids to species level: 70-150 € per sample for each group (costs depends primarily on number samples to be identified and species richness in the habitat).
Identification of individual species
We identify individual species or set of species without enumerating and sort from samples. We deliver species names together with drawings of major morphological characters.
Preparation of samples: If possible ca 5-10 individuals of each species should be placed in 70% ethanol solution preferably in an airtight vial with a screwing cap. Sample should be sent to Menntun, C/Cava Alta 9, 2¡C, 28005 Madrid, Spain.
Costs: Identification 50 Û or 100 Û with drawings of major morphological characters
Please contact Menntun before you send samples