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Conjugating ciliates attacked by Coleps

A pair of conjugating Oxytricha of different sizes are suddenly attacked by a Coleps. The smaller Oxitricha is bitten nearly in half, which causes the bonding pair to move their cilia intensively in a frantic effort to escape. Finally the pair separates, and the dwarf and the giant swim off in different directions.


Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This interesting video needs no additional comments.

Sampling Date : 20 October 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map

Coleps: a fierce hunter

A feeble ciliate is bitten by a Coleps. The poor ciliate desperately struggles to get away. However, the bite causes the inside particles to come out of the ciliate. These particles are eaten up one by one by other organisms. Finally Coleps and other ciliates attach themselves to the prey, and within a few seconds the last traces of the poor ciliate are consumes completely.


Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This interesting video needs no additional comments.

Sampling Date : 19 October 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map

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