Large and small ciliate hunting

A Strobilidium and a Stylonychia are feeding close to each other. Both ciliates are trying to attract food particles by moving the cilia around their mouths. However, the strong whirlpools that they both create interfere with each other's efforts. After a while, they change their strategy and move to separate places to feed.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
It is difficult to determine whether this organism is

Strobilidium

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

or Strombidium.

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

Sampling Date : 03 July 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River B  Google Map