Metanophrys similis ( Song, Shang, Chen & Ma, 2002 )

Xuming Pan, 2016, Seven scuticociliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Alabama, USA, with descriptions of two parasitic species isolated from a freshwater mussel Potamilus purpuratus, European Journal of Taxonomy 249, pp. 1-19 : 6

Metanophrys similis ( Song, Shang, Chen & Ma, 2002)

Fig. 2 E–G; Table 1

Description

Description based on Alabama population: body in vivo 35–40 × 20–25 μm, plump pyriform, anteriorly tapering, posteriorly rounded; no apical plate formed ( Fig. 2 E). Ventral side slightly straight, dorsal side slightly convex ( Fig. 2 E–F). Somatic cilia 7–8 μm long, densely arranged ( Fig. 2 F). Single caudal cilium approximately 10 μm in length ( Fig. 2 E). Extrusoms bar-shaped, approximately 2 μm in length, arranged in rows between the somatic kineties. Endoplasm colourless to grayish, and contained abundant food vacuoles (2–5 μm in across) and many bar- or dumbbell-shaped crystals 1–2 μm in length ( Fig. 2 E). One large, spherical to ovoid macronucleus, approximately 10 μm in length and 12 μm in width, centrally located. Swimming aimlessly, without pause, or sometimes crawling on substrates. Twelve somatic kineties. M1 near apex, comprising three longitudinal rows of kinetids with six basal bodies each ( Fig. 2 G). M2 three-rowed, as long as M1, composed of six basal bodies in each longitudinal row ( Fig. 2 G). M3 located close to M2, usually comprises three short arranged rows of basal bodies.

Figures

Fig. 2. A – D. Mesanophrys cf. carcini Small & Lynn in Aescht, 2001. E – G. Metanophrys similis Song et al., 2002. A – C, E – F. In vivo. D, G. After silver impregnation. A, E. Ventral views of typical individuals, arrow in (E) shows caudal cilia. B, F. Different individuals, showing different body shapes. C. Individual in morphogenesis. D, G. Detailed structure of the buccal area. Abbreviations: M 1, 2, 3 = membranelle 1, 2 and 3; Ma = macronucleus; PM = paroral membrane. Scale bars: 30 μm.