A microcomputer-based measuring device for biological research

Abstract

As an inexpensive, more versatile alternative to the Coulter counter and image analyzers for the acquisition of size data in biological research, a semiautomated measuring device with associated data storage and retrieval capabilities has been developed. It can be used for measurement of such diverse characters as zooplankton body size and helmet lengths, phytoplankton size, fish scale measurements, fish egg diameters, and general taxonomic features such as body proportions and inter-setule distances. Any organism, or part thereof, which can be scaled to the device's range of approximately 1–7 cm can be quickly and accurately counted and (or) measured.