An extremely long ciliate(1)

This dark-brown ciliate is extraordinarily long at more than 1500 microns. It quickly passes through numerous narrow spaces between particles. Its cilia can be observed when it stops. There is a transparent part at the end of the body.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
Judging from its long cell size and cytostome at the center, this organism is likely to be Spirostomum intermedium. However, for identification, it is necessary to confirm that its macronuclei are shaped like beads.

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

Sampling Date : 28 May 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River B  Google Map