Paramecium is one of the most famous of the freshwater ciliates. These
large, lively tan protozoans are abundant in Madog River water.
Vorticella are another common Madog River ciliate. These lively bell-shaped
protozoans are normally attached to debris, but we also find them swimming
around loose, trailing their stalks behind them. There are two different
species. One is as pictured here, and the other is larger, with a wider,
flatter bell.
Frontonia are impressively large, or can be, although they show considerable
variation in size. They are one of the most common of the Madog River protozoans,
especially early in the history of the culture.
In addition to the aqua stentor shown on the main page, we also have been
finding an increasing number of colorless and light brown stentors, shown
here.
The lively Loxodes were actively engaging in conjugation during my last
visit.
These dusty-looking Prorodon ciliates showed up with the amoeba after most
of the other ciliates were past their prime.
This comical-looking ciliate has long, floppy cilia. While swimming, it
tumbles wildly. Periodically, the ciliate stops moving completely for a
few seconds. During these rest periods, it is possible to observe its shape
and the distribution of its cilia. We have not been able to figure out
what kind of ciliate this is.
There was a sudden bloom of these funny barrel-shaped ciliates.
Return to Microscopic Critters of Guam.