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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Paradiophrys

Paradiophrys Jankowski, 1978 (ref. ID; 4408, 7354)

Order Euplotida: Family Uronychiidae (ref. ID; 7354)

[ref. ID; 4408]
Taxonomy; In 1923, Mansfeld described D. irmgard as a species having two macronuclei; eight frontoventral cirri, six of which form a curving row of cirri along the right margin of the cell; and three left marginal cirri instead of the usual two seen in Diophrys. In 1968, Dragesco reported upon a similar species, D. kahli. In 1973, Hartwig observed and named D. multinucleata, an organism with similar ciliation and a many lobed macronucleus. (ref. ID; 4408)
Diagnosis; Member of the genus Paradiophrys are found in marine and estuarine sands. They have en elongated disc-shaped body with highly sculptured antero-dorsal surface that includes a pronounced tear-shaped depression near the anterior edge of the cell and a ridge along the right dorsal surface. The ventral surface shows some sculpturing with the frontoventral and left marginal cirri set in grooves while the transverse cirri are set within individuals pockets the AZOPK is formed form approximately 34 membranelles (29-39 membranelles, n=50) which are divided into the collar and lapel region that are separated by a small gap. The lapel membranelles are reduced in number (5-8, n=50). Relatively large in size and originate form between well-defined cell surface horns. A monokinetid endoral row of cilia and a large polykinetid paroral membrane extend form the cytostome anteriorly along the right edge of the buccal overture. There are nine frontoventral cirri (II/1 [paroral cirrus], III/2, III/3, IV/2, IV/2, IV/3, V/2, V/3, VI/2, VI/2, VII/2). Seven of the frontoventral cirri are large and located on the anterior ventral surface. Two smaller frontoventral cirri (VI/2, VII/2) are positioned close together just anterior of the transverse cirri. There are five large locomotory transverse (III/1, IV/1, V/1, VI/1, VII/1). Three left marginal and three large right posterior-marginal caudal cirri. Kinetal row number 1 is found on the left ventrolateral surface immediately to the left of the AZOPK. The remaining kinetal rows are on the dorsal surface and are numbered consecutively to the cells right. Dorsal cilia are short bristles 2-3 um long. There are usually two compact macronuclear pieces that are spherical in shape. (ref. ID; 4408)
Variation in Paradiophrys; Isolates of Paradiophrys may differ significantly in the number and distribution of frontoventral and transverse cirri, the number of kinetal rows and the number of macronuclear pieces. Here also appear to be relatively minor differences in cell shape and arrangement of dorsal bristle rows. An isolate collected in 1982 shows the typical arrangement of nine frontoventral cirri and six kinetal rows. Nondividing cells in this population average 70-132 um (avg. 108 um) long and 38-92 um (avg. 74 um) wide (n=50). In a second isolate there were either intertidal sands on the New Hampshire coast have seven frontoventral and four transverse cirri. In other isolates, specimens may have as few as six frontoventral and four transverse cirri, 20-30 macronucleus fragment and a dorsal ridge along the right side of the cell. This last isolate is similar to P. multinucleta as described by Hartwig. While he asserted there were no dorsal ridges, they do appear in his photomicrograph. (ref. ID; 4408)
Morphogenesis; The process of cortical morphogenesis during cell division in Paradiophrys is similar to Diophrys except for the following differences: 1) During the development of the frontoventral and transverse cirri, there are five transverse cirri (III/1-VII/1) and nine frontoventral cirri (II/1 [paroral cirrus], III/2, III/3, IV/2, V/2, V/3, VI/2, VI/3 and VII/2) that form in each daughter cell. 2) three lobes are formed during the development of each left marginal cirrial primordium which separate to form three left marginal cirri in each daughter cell. (ref. ID; 4408)
Type species; Paradiophrys irmgard (Mansfeld, 1923) Jankowski, 1978 (ref. ID; 4408)

[ref. ID; 7354]
Members of the genus Paradiophrys Jankowski, 1978 occur in marine sands, and differ from Diophrys in having relatively large lapel membranelles and three left marginal cirri. There are from two to numerous macronulear nodes that are compact and nearly spherical. Dorsal cilia generally consist of short bristles. (ref. ID; 7354)
Type species; Paradiophrys irmgard (Mansfeld, 1923) (ref. ID; 7354)
  1. Paradiophrys irmgard (Mansfeld, 1923) (ref. ID; 7354) or (Mansfeld, 1923) Jankowski, 1978 (ref. ID; 4408)
  2. Paradiophrys kahli (Dragesco, 1968) (ref. ID; 7354)
  3. Paradiophrys multinucleata (Hartwig, 1973) (ref. ID; 7354)