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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Chasmatostoma

Chasmatostoma Engelmann, 1862 (ref. ID; 2014)

Class Oligohymenophora: Subclass Hymenostomata: Order Hymenostomatida (ref. ID; 2014)

[ref. ID; 2014]
Outline-shape oval to reniform with a slightly narrower anterior region. Dorsal surface convex, ventral surface flattened. Small ciliates (about 60 um long). Oral aperture pyriform narrowing anteriorly and located in central body region. Undulating membrane extended along the left side and partly up the right side of the buccal overture forming a small bag or lip on its posterior edge. Somatic cilia long thin and dense. Kineties meet at the pre-oral suture where they curve arch-like around the apex of the body. Contractile vacuole in the posterior body half. Macronucleus spherical, centrally located with an adjacent micronucleus. Locomotion is brisk, commonly swimming central surface down in large circles. Single freshwater species.
Quote; Colin R. Curds, Michael A. Gates and David McL. Roberts "British and other freshwater ciliated protozoa Part II Ciliophora: Oligohymenophora and Polyhymenophora" Cambridge University Press, 1983 (ref. ID; 2014)
  1. Chasmatostoma reniforme Engelmann, 1862 (ref. ID; 1622)