Stationary Euglena

Here we can see nine Euglena cells that are completely still. Are they weakened, or have their sticky bodies become caught on the wall of the container? A small ciliate, Aspidisca, and a large slender ciliate pass nearby.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
Various types of flagellates are included in the Euglena group. Some species constantly swim actively, while others simply lie still on the bottom surface. A third type of flagellate exhibits both behaviors, alternately swimming or staying still.

After stops moving, the organism often exhibits a simple round shape, and the shape of its chloroplasts are difficult to distinguish.

This organisms looks like Euglena viridis, which can be seen at the following address.

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

Sampling Date : 18 October 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map