Waiting and hunting

Lurking behind some particles, this ciliate (which may be Pleuronema) is waiting for food. The transparent membrane extending from the side of the body captures small flagellates. Some of these flagellates are carried into the food vacuole, but others manage to get free.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This organism belongs to genus Pleuronema.

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

The organisms can be identified as Pleuronema marinum from its large cell size and other features at the rear end.

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

Sampling Date : 03 July 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River B  Google Map