A gentle-looking ciliate

Among a group of large, active ciliates, there is a tiny, delicate ciliate. It seems to be foraging among particles in a gentle way.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This organism is Cinetochilum margaritaceum.

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

It is often found in soils rich in humus (decomposing organic matter).

Sampling Date : 08 August 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map

A small ciliate is foraging

Among particles at the bottom of Hirose River, a small ciliate is foraging.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This fairly small organism may be Cinetochilum margaritaceum.

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

It is often found in soils rich in humus (decomposing organic matter).

Sampling Date : 08 August 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map

Microbes among particles

First we see a small ciliate, Aspidisca, passing through a space surrounded by particles. Then a large slender ciliate appears and begins to look for food. We can see a small ciliate in the process of division beside one of the particles.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
The organism approaching from the lower right may be Aspidisca cicada (previously called Aspidisca costata).

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

The dividing cell hiding itself behind a black particle is Cinetochilum margaritaceum.

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

After Aspidisca disappears, Uroleptus appears from the lower rightside.

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

Sampling Date : 18 October 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map

A small ciliate moving delicately

A small ciliate about 30μin length is busily moving here and there. Its cilia are unusually long and thin compared to its body size, which makes its movements appear delicate.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This organism is Cinetochilum margaritaceum.

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

The organism is frequently found in the soils that include humic water.

It is characterized by a large mouth at the rear end and a few long cilia extending backward.

Sampling Date : 18 October 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map