Need a little help on this one

[D0c]

Need a little help on this one.

Is this a Strombidium?

Maybe a Rimostrombidium lacutris

200X - https://www.flickr.com/photos/154534235 ... ateposted/
400X - https://www.flickr.com/photos/154534235 ... ateposted/

Thanks

[Bruce Taylor]

This is a freshwater tintinnid (e.g. Tintinnidiium, Membranicola) that has left its lorica. When they are in their loricas, these guys are more or less wineglass-shaped. However, when they are dislodged from their tubes they become roughly globular or cylindrical, and are easily mistaken for Strobilidiidae.

[D0c]

The lorica has got to be really small.

Thanks Bruce.

[Bruce Taylor]

Tintinnid loricas are usually just big enough to contain the organism in its extended form. Some tintinnids make solid loricas, which can be quite shapely, like small pottery vessels or fluted glass vases. However, Tintinnidium species, which are quite common in fresh water, tend to build loose gelatinous homes, like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvmPbvt4WAQ It's very common for them to abandon their loricas and swim about, like this one recorded by Michael Plewka: https://www.plingfactory.de/Science/Atl ... lis28c.jpg

[D0c]

I have seen a few of these before, just over looked them, I will keep a better eye out next time.