Amoeba moving slowly

An amoeba moves slowly by extending fine pseudopods in all directions. The center of its body is full of food particles and seems to be slightly rigid.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This amoeba is either Filamoeba or Vampyrella. When it moves, numerous threadlike pseudopodia are extended from the cell surface.

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

The body shape is typical of Filamoeba, whereas the red particles inside the cell are more indicative of Vampyrella. The reddish color comes from Spyrogira and other foods, and the color fades as the organism is starved.

Vampyrella usually takes a spherical form like Heliozoa, but when moving actively, it cannot be distinguished from Filamoeba.

Sampling Date : 02 July 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map