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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Trochosphaera

Trochosphaera Semper, 1872

ref. ID; 1663

Large transparent species. Spherical and without a true corona, the body being divided into unequal hemispheres by a ciliary band. Intestine and anus present. Mastax malleoramate. Up to 750 um in diameter. Very rare in small polluted ponds. (ref. ID; 1663)
  1. Trochosphaera aequatorialis Semper, 1872 (ref. ID; 1324, 1345, 1663, 1923, 2783, 2808)
  2. Trochosphaera equatorialis Semper, 1872 (ref. ID; 2715)
  3. Trochosphaera solstitialis Thorpe, 1893 (ref. ID; 3688) reported author and year? (ref. ID; 1923, 2223, 2808)

Trochosphaera aequatorialis Semper, 1872 (ref. ID; 1324, 1345, 1663, 1923, 2783, 2808)

Descriptions

This species has the band of cilia around the middle. (ref. ID; 1923)

This species, which has evolved entirely towards a pelagic life. (ref. ID; 2808)

Comments

In 1976, Koste studies the morphology and anatomy of both T. aequatorialis and T. solstitialis (Thorpe, 1893). These differ in the localization of the "wheel organ" which is often difficult to define. Both species are ovoviporous and the resting eggs have similar complicated morphological characters. Similar trophi with very many small unci teeth, indicate they are microphagus (ref. ID; 2808)

Trochosphaera equatorialis Semper, 1872 (ref. ID; 2715)

Descriptions

The shape of body spherical with a band of cilia around the equator. The surface of the body is very smooth and the whole animal is extremely transparent making it possible to see all organs inside which are loosely hung inside. (ref. ID; 2715)

Measurements

Diameter 357 µm. (ref. ID; 2715)

Trochosphaera solstitialis Thorpe, 1893 (ref. ID; 3688) reported author and year? (ref. ID; 1923, 2223, 2808)

Descriptions

This species has the band somewhat toward one end. (ref. ID; 1923)