A smoothly-gliding amoeba

A large amoeba is gliding along smoothly. Numerous food particles can be seen in its transparent body. Rather than extend pseudopodia to capture food, the amoeba extends part of its body in the direction of movements, which allows it to capture food. Sometimes it throws out food particles but then engulfs them again.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This organism is Vannella miroides in genus Vannella.

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

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

The locomotive form of Vannella is like an open folding fan, and the locomotive form of Vannella miroides is characterized by pseudopodia with wavy edges.

Sampling Date : 08 August 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map