Anoplophrya cf. nodulata ( Dujardin, 1841 )

Obert, Tomáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2019, Integrative taxonomy of five astome ciliates (Ciliophora, Astomatia) isolated from earthworms in Central Europe, European Journal of Taxonomy 559, pp. 1-37 : 19-21

Anoplophrya cf. nodulata ( Dujardin, 1841)

Figs 11 D–E, 12

Description

Only five specimens were found, three were morphologically examined and two were used for molecular analyses. Therefore, the description is rather incomplete. The body size is about 100 × 50 µm. The shape is ovate to broadly fusiform with both ends rounded. The cell is distinctly dorsoventrally flattened ( Figs 11 D–E, 12).

The macronucleus begins about 10 µm away from the anterior body end and extends through the cell’s midline. Its size is usually 75 × 13 µm. The macronuclear surface was slightly irregular. The macronucleus displays similar postmortem changes as in the two previous Anoplophrya species, i.e., it slightly diminishes in size leaving behind a hyaline envelope. The micronucleus was not observed ( Figs 11 D–E, 12).

There are two staggered rows of contractile vacuoles extending along the right and left side of the macronucleus: 3–6 vacuoles in the right row and 3–5 vacuoles in the left row. The average size of vacuoles ranged from 5–7 µm during diastole ( Figs 11 D–E, 12). The cytoplasm is colorless and filled with granules being approximately 1 µm in diameter. The cortex is semi-rigid and without specific granules. Swims moderately fast by rotation about the main body axis.

Somatic ciliature is holotrichous and composed of densely ciliated meridional kineties. Due to the low number of ciliates, their number on the ventral and dorsal side could not be determined.

Occurrence

Anoplophrya nodulata was detected only in two out of five specimens of Octolasion tyrtaeum investigated. This endogeic earthworm originated from the upper 50 cm peat layer in the riparian zone of the Rašelinisko Pond in the vicinity of the Pusté Úľany Village in the Galanta District ( Table 2 ). Endosymbiotic ciliates were found only in the central part of the oligochaete gastrointestinal tract. No other ciliates were recorded in the digestive system of O. tyrtaeum .

Figures

Fig. 11. Anoplophrya vulgaris de Puytorac, 1954 (A–C) and Anoplophrya nodulata (Dujardin, 1841) (D–E), Slovak specimens in vivo. A–B. Ventral views, showing the nuclear apparatus, the arrangement of contractile vacuoles (arrowheads) and the somatic ciliary pattern. Arrow marks the apical suture. C. Detail of the anterior body region, showing the apical suture (arrow) and the meridional ciliary rows composed of very narrowly arranged basal bodies. D–E. Optical sections, showing the general body organization. The body is ovate to broadly fusiform with both ends rounded. The macronucleus is rodlike with slightly irregular surface. There are two rows of contractile vacuoles (arrowheads). Scale bars: A–B, D–E = 50 µm; C = 20 µm.