Another unknown ciliate

[NachoBen]

Hello everyone. Today I want to introduce you to an unknown ciliate that I have just found.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/sqTFP3wl9wQ

As you can see, the oral apparatus is very characteristic and, after searching Kudo's and Kahl's books, I thought it could be a species of the genus Lacrymaria. However, if it is a contracted form of Lacrymaria, I can't see the characteristic striations.

As always, thank you all so much for any help, no matter how small.

Greetings.

[Dennis]

Nacho Ben,

That thing scares me !

[Bruce Taylor]

It is a species of Phialina, in the family Lacrymariidae. Kahl placed members of that genus in Lacrymaria, but in the 80s Foissner revived Phialina for "neckless" lacrymariids. Don't be surprised if you have trouble finding images of a similar-looking species of Phialina. Their cell shapes can be quite variable, and it's not unusual for them to "plump up", when feeding.

[NachoBen]

Thank you once more, Bruce! I have not ever read about this genus. Anyway, I am glad I got near to Kahl's opinión.

Regards.

It is a species of Phialina, in the family Lacrymariidae. Kahl placed members of that genus in Lacrymaria, but in the 80s Foissner revived Phialina for "neckless" lacrymariids. Don't be surprised if you have trouble finding images of a similar-looking species of Phialina. Their cell shapes can be quite variable, and it's not unusual for them to "plump up", when feeding.