Balanion masanensis n. sp. (ciliophora: prostomatea) from the coastal waters of Korea: morphology and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence

The planktonic ciliate Balanion masanensis n. sp. is described from living cells, from cells prepared by quantitative protargol staining (QPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) preparations, and the sequence of its nuclear small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) is reported. This species is almost ovoid with a flattened anterior oral region when the cells are alive and stained. The flattened anterior region of a living cell often forms a dome with the perimeter receded in a groove, and this region is easily inflated or depressed. In SEM photos, a brosse of six to nine monokinetids (or possibly three to five dikinetids) was observed inside the circumoral dikinetids. In TEM photos, circumoral microtubular ribbons were observed below the oral cilia, which along with the oral flaps were 8-16 microm in length. The cytostome is a slight funnel-like central depression on the flattened anterior end. The morphological characteristics of this ciliate are identical to those of the genus Balanion (Order Prorodontida). The ranges (and mean+/-standard deviation) of cell length, cell width, and oral diameter of living cells (n=23-26) were 27-43 microm (35.2+/-4.6), 25-32 microm (28.6+/-2.3), and 25-30 microm (27.6+/-1.3), respectively, while those of the QPS-stained specimens (n=70) were 23-37 microm (30.6+/-3.5), 26-35 microm (30.7+/-2.2), and 26-33 microm (29.5+/-1.5), respectively. Forty-six to 55 somatic kineties (SKs) were equally spaced around the cell body and extended from the oral to near the posterior regions with 24-50 monokinetids per kinety. Each kinetid bore a cilium 2.8-7.2 microm long. A caudal cilium (ca 14 microm long) arose on the posterior end. The single ellipsoid macronucleus is 6.8-13.4 x 6.8-10.5 microm, accompanied by a single micronucleus (2.0-2.8 x 1.5-2.5 microm) visible only in QPS specimens. Because, the cell size, the number of SKs, and the number of kinetosomes per SK of this ciliate were much greater than those of Balanion comatum and Balanion planctonicum, the only two Balanion species so far reported, we have established B. masanensis n. sp. When properly aligned, the sequence of the SSU rDNA of B. masanensis n. sp. (GenBank Accession No. AM412525) was approximately 9% different from that of Coleps hirtus (Colepidae, Prorodontida) and 12% different from that of Prorodon teres (Prorodontidae, Prorodontida).     

Kiitricha minuta n. sp., a peculiar hypotrichous ciliate (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) from the Yellow Sea

The morphology and infraciliature of a new ciliate, Kiitricha minuta n. sp., isolated from the Yellow Sea, were investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. Kiitricha minuta represents a third member of the rarely known order Kiitrichida. It is unique in the subclass Hypotrichia in having many rows of small uniform cirri along the right side of the body and the dorsal kineties composed of dikinetids, most of which bear two cilia. Kiitricha minuta n. sp. is ovoid and measures about 60 x 45 microm in vivo. It has a huge buccal cavity occupying about 80% of the body length, numerous body extrusomes, one macronucleus and two micronuclei, 27-27 adoral membranelles, 9-12 frontoventral cirral rows, a submarginal row of 7-9 cirri, 6 or 7 transverse cirri, and roughly 7-9 dorsal kineties. This new species differs distinctly from its only congener Kiitricha marina by its smaller size (60 microm vs. 80-150 microm), the presence of body extrusomes (vs. absent), the different macronuclear pattern (one vs. two nodules), and the lower number of frontoventral cirral rows (9-12 vs. 21-26), which terminate at the anterior two-thirds of body (vs. extend to the posterior). The new term "submarginal cirral row" is introduced to distinguish from the marginal cirral row in typical hypotrichs sensu lato. Based on our new observations and the literature, an improved diagnosis for the genus Kiitricha is provided and its phylogenetic importance is discussed.     

Strombidinopsis jeokjo n. sp. (ciliophora: choreotrichida) from the coastal waters off western Korea: morphology and small subunit ribosomal DNA gene sequence

The planktonic ciliate Strombidinopsis jeokjo n. sp. is described from Quantitative Protargol-Stained (QPS) preparations, and the sequence of the small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) from cultured cells is reported. This species is ovoid and bluntly tapered towards the posterior. The ranges (and mean +/- standard deviation, n = 31) of cell length, cell width, and oral diameter of the QPS-stained specimens were 100-190 microm (149 +/- 25), 60-105 microm (79 +/- 13), and 55-80 microm (64 +/- 5), respectively. Fifteen to seventeen external oral polykinetids had oral membranelle cilia 20-35 microm long. Twenty-six to twenty-eight somatic kineties were equally spaced around the cell body and extended from the oral to the posterior regions with 23-44 dikinetids per kinety. Both kinetosomes of each kinetid bore cilia 3-7 microm long. Strombidinopsis jeokjo had two ovoid macronuclei of 25-38 microm x 12-15 microm. When properly aligned, the sequence of the SSU rDNA of S. jeokjo (GenBank Accession No. AJ628250) was approximately 2% different from that of an unidentified Strombidinopsis species (GenBank Accession No. AF399132-AF399135), the closest species in the SSU rDNA sequence.     

Benthic macrofauna associated to Thalassia testudinum in Bahía de Mochima, Sucre, Venezuela

Diversity and abundance of benthic macrofauna associated to Thalassia testudinum were studied at Ensenada de Reyes, Mochima Bay, in the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Samples were taken monthly in six stations, three at 1 m in depth and three at 6 m, between December 1992 and February 1994, using a quadrat of 0.25 m2 for collecting plants and sediment; each sample was washed with seawater through a 1 mm sieve. The specimens were fixed in 6% formaldehyde. A total of 1722 organisms (6 888 ind x m2) and 127 species of macroinvertebrates were collected. Mollusks dominated with 53 species, followed by polychaetes (40), crustaceans (18) and echinoderms (8). Remaining groups were represented by 1-2 species. The highest abundance was in October (214 specimens), and the lowest in December 1993 (79 specimens). Specific richness was between 47 species in October and 18 in May 1993. Mean species diversity was 2.79-1.36 bits/ind. There were differences (ANOVA p<0.01) in number of specimens at the two depths but not throughout the 15 month study period (p>0.05). There were more specimens and species at the lowest depth and in stations with higher Thalassia testudinum biomass.     

Growth kinetics, protease activity and histophagous capability of Uronema sp. infesting cultured silver pomfret Pampus argenteus in Kuwait

Laboratory-produced and -reared sub-adults of silver pomfret (zobaidy) Pampus argenteus affected by severe scuticociliatosis during April and May 2005 were investigated and the causative was a scuticociliate, presumptively identified as Uronema sp. The parasite was capable of producing highly necrotic skin lesions. Mortalities started with a rise in the seawater temperature from 20 to 21.5 degrees C, coinciding with an increase in the total bacterial load of the rearing tank water from 10(3) to 10(5) CFU ml(-1). The parasite was successfully cultured in vitro (85 passages), using 10% brain heart infusion broth inoculated simultaneously with an aquatic Vibrio sp. The parasite reached peak cell density (1.82 x 10(5) cells ml(-1)) on the third day of inoculation. The parasite cell count was found to be inversely related (r = -0.45) to the bacterial count in the incubation medium. The ciliate body dimensions measured, on average, 34.05 +/- 0.99 microm in length and 16.70 +/- 0.74 microm in width (n = 300). Silver staining revealed morphological characteristics of Uronema sp., including a truncated anterior end, a buccal apparatus, caudal cilium and 3 oral polykinetids, with the first one appearing as a single row. Average number of kineties was 12 +/- 3. There was an inverse relationship (R2 = 0.84) between the proteolytic activity and the number of in vitro passages of the scuticociliate. However, the parasite from a freshly infected fish (using inoculum from the tenth passage) showed higher proteolytic activity (31.2%) compared with that produced by the inoculum from in vitro cultures (9.75%). The ciliate also showed a distinct histophagous capability when tested in vitro using host muscle tissue.     

The structure and productivity of the Thalassia testudinum community in Bon Accord Lagoon, Tobago

The Thalassia testudinum dominated seagrass community in the Buccoo Reef/ Bon Accord Lagoon Marine Park, measures 0.5 km(2) and is part of a contiguous coral reef, seagrass bed and mangrove swamp system in southwest Tobago. 7 testudinum coverage, productivity and percent turnover rates were measured from February 1998 to February 1999 at four sample locations, while total T. testudinum biomass was measured at two locations in the lagoon from 1992-2002. Productivity and turnover rates varied spatially and seasonally. They were higher in the back-reef area than in the mangrove-fringed lagoon, and were lowest at locations near to a sewage outfall. 7 testudinum coverage ranged from 6.6% in the lagoon to 68.5% in the back-reef area while productivity ranged from 3.9 to 4.9 g dry wt m(-2) d(-1) . Productivity and percentage turnover rates were higher in the dry season (January-June) than in the wet season (July-December). Productivity ranged from 3.0 in the wet season to 5.0 g dry wt m2 d-' in the dry season while percentage turnover rates ranged from 4.2% to 5.6%. Total Thalassia biomass and productivity in Bon Accord Lagoon were compared to six similar sites in the Caribbean that also participate in the Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program (CARICOMP). This seagrass community is being negatively impacted by nutrient-enriched conditions.     

Description of a marine peritrichous ciliate, Pseudovorticella sinensis n. sp. (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) from China

A new marine peritrich ciliate, Pseudovorticella sinensis n. sp. was isolated from a shrimp-farming pond in the littoral area of Qingdao, China. The morphology, infraciliature, and silverline system were studied based on living and silver-impregnated specimens. This species is characterized by (1) an elongated bell-shaped body that measures 50-60 x 35-45 microm in vivo, (2) one large, ventrally located contractile vacuole, and (3) a pellicle covered by a layer of transparent, cortical vesicles. The number of transverse silverlines from the peristomial area to the aboral ciliary wreath is 26-32, and from the aboral ciliary wreath to the scopula is 12-15. The stalk measures about 160-250 microm long x 5-6 microm wide. The spasmoneme has one row of conspicuous thecoplasmic granules, which are about 0.8 microm in diameter.     

Six new Eimeria species from vespertilionid bats of North America.

Twenty species of bats (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae) were collected from California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Baja California Norte (Mexico), and 29 of 404 (7%) animals, including Antrozous pallidus, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis auriculus, Myotis californicus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis thysanodes, Myotis vivesi, Myotis volans, Myotis yumanensis, and Nycticeius humeralis were infected with Eimeria spp., which represent 6 new species. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from A. pallidus are subspheroidal, 24.8 x 21.6 (22-27 x 19-24) microm with a polar granule and a large globular residuum. The oocyst wall is sculptured, with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.5 x 7.8 (9-13 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda body and residuum of many large granules. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 20.7 x 18.2 (19-23 x 16-20) microm, with 1-7 tiny polar granules, but without oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is rough, with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.2 x 7.3 (10-12 x 7-8) microm, with Stieda body and a globular residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a second new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 23.1 x 20.7 (20-26 x 19-23) microm, with residuum and 1 polar granule, but a micropyle is absent. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 7.2 (11-14 x 7-8) microm, with a Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. ciliolabrum are subspheroidal, 24.9 x 20.1 (18-27 x 17-23) microm, with 1-2 polar granules, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ellipsoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 9.0 (8-14 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. evotis are subspheroidal, 21.3 x 18.6 (20-24 x 15-20) microm, with a prominent polar granule, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is smooth with 2 layers, approximately 1.0 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.2 x 8.0 (11-13 x 7.5-9) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new species from N. humeralis are subspheroidal, 22.4 x 18 (21-24 x 17-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules, but residuum and micropyle are absent. The oocyst wall is lightly sculptured with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.9 x 7.7 (9-12 x 6-8) microm, with Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. pilarensis Scott and Duszynski, 1997 and those of at least 12 other morphological forms were seen in the other infected bats; these latter forms were seen in too few numbers to be adequately described as new species.     

Parastrombidinopsis shimi n. gen., n. sp. (Ciliophora: Choreotrichia) from the coastal waters of Korea: morphology and small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence

The planktonic ciliate Parastrombidinopsis shimi n. gen., n. sp. is described from both living cells and quantitative protargol-stained (QPS) preparations and the sequence of the small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) is reported. This species is almost oval when the cells are alive; when stained, it is cylindrical for the upper two-fifths, half-bowl shaped for the middle two-fifths, and narrow rodshaped for the lower one-fifth. The ranges (and mean +/- standard deviation, n = 20) of cell length, cell width, and oral diameter of living cells were 112-221 microm (168 +/- 39), 88-176 microm (121 +/- 30), and 53-110 microm (80 +/- 14), respectively, while those of the QPS-stained specimens (n = 54) were 88-225 microm (162 +/- 29), 55-163 microm (102 +/- 19), and 53-98 microm (69 +/- 9), respectively. Thirty-six to 48 external oral polykinetids had cilia 25-40 microm long. However, unlike Strombidinopsis species sensu stricto, P. shimi has an external oral polykinetid zone that is an open circle. This species has two shorter polykinetids associated with the end of the oral polykinetid zone, deep in the oral cavity. Like Strombidinopsis species in the subclass Choreotrichia, 36-50 somatic kineties were equally spaced around the cell body and extended from the oral to the posterior regions with 68-105 dikinetids per kinety. Both kinetosomes of each kinetid bore cilia 3-10 microm long. Parastrombidinopsis shimi had 2 (1-4) ovoid macronuclei of 20-82 x 15-32 microm. When properly aligned, the sequence of the SSU rDNA of P. shimi (GenBank Accession No. AJ786648) was approximately 5% different from that of Strobilidium caudatum and 6% different from that of two Strombidinopsis species. Based both on morphology and gene sequence divergence, we establish this is as a new species in a new genus belonging to the family Strombidinopsidae.     

Redescription of a poorly known marine ciliate, Leptoamphisiella vermis Gruber, 1888 n. g., n. comb. (ciliophora, stichotrichia, pseudoamphisiellidae), from the Yellow Sea, China

Leptoamphisiella vermisGruber, 1888 n. g., n. comb. (basionym Epiclintes vermisGruber, 1888) is an extraordinarily large and worm-like marine stichotrichous ciliate. Based on a population isolated recently from coastal waters of Qingdao, China, the living morphology and infraciliature are redescribed and its taxonomic position is defined. Accordingly, a new diagnosis for this species is suggested: large, marine Leptoamphisiella with a conspicuous layer of pellicular alveoli; 400-1000 microm x 40-70 microm in vivo; body band-like, highly flexible; about 40 membranelles; always three frontal and two buccal cirri; 52-80 transverse cirri (TC) extending to the posterior end of the buccal field; 57-79 left midventral and 44-62 right midventral cirri; 62-102 cirri in left and 63-91 cirri in right marginal rows (MR); 9-13 dorsal kineties that extend the full body length; about 100 macronuclear nodules and 5-13 micronuclei. The diagnosis for the new genus is as follows: vermiform Pseudoamphisiellidae with strongly contractile body, differentiated frontal, buccal, and highly developed TC; two remarkably separated midventral rows; one MR on each side of the body; frontoterminal and caudal cirri absent. Leptoamphisiella vermis n. comb. is fixed as the type species of the new genus.     

Six new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from East African chameleons (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)

Coprological examination of 83 East African chameleon specimens revealed 32.5% prevalence of coccidian parasites. Six species are described as new: Eimeria tilburyi n. sp. from Chamaeleo jacksonii has cylindrical oocysts, 28.9 (26-33) x 16.0 (14-18) microm and occasionally a small polar granule. Sporocysts are oval to ellipsoidal, 10.6 (9-12) x 7.2 (6-8) microm, without Stieda and substieda bodies; endogenous stages were found in the gall bladder. Oocysts of Eimeria largeni n. sp. from Chamaeleo gracilis are broadly cylindrical, 31.2 (29.5-34) x 19.3 (18.5-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules. Sporocysts are oval, 10.2 (10-11) x 7.6 (7-8.5) microm, without Stieda and substieda bodies. Eimeria bohemii n. sp. from Chamaeleo melleri has cylindrical oocysts, 25.0 (24-26) x 14.0 (13-15) microm, without a polar granule. Sporocysts are broadly oval, 9.4 (9-10) x 6.5 (6-7) microm, without Stieda and substieda bodies. Isospora wildi n. sp. from Chamaeleo dilepis has subspherical to broadly oval oocysts, 25 (22-28) x 21.4 (18-24) microm, with a smooth wall 1 microm thick. Sporocysts are broadly oval to ellipsoidal, 12.3 (12-13) x 9.7 (9-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies. Oocysts of Isospora necasi n. sp. from C. melleri are subspherical to broadly oval, 26.6 (21-30) x 24.3 (20-27) microm, with a velvetlike wall 2 microm thick. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 12.8 (12-14) x 9.8 (9-10) microm, with slightly pointed end and with Stieda and substieda bodies. Oocysts of Isospora munriyu n. sp. from C. jacksonii are spherical to subspherical, 23.6 (21.5-25) x 21.9 (21-23) microm, with a finely granulated wall 1.5 microm thick. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 12.4 (12-13) X 8.7 (8-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies.     

Description of a mirror-image doublet from a Brazilian strain of Gastrostyla setifera (Engelmann, 1862) Kent, 1882 (Ciliophora: Stichotrichia)

The present work describes a mirror-image doublet morph found in a Brazilian strain of the stichotrich ciliate Gastrostyla setifera (Engelmann, 1862) Kent, 1882, obtained from a sample of water and sediment from an urban freshwater stream in the city of Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais, Brazil). The doublet measured 63 x 49 microm, and had two components where the right one has upside-down arranged adoral membranelles with a set of small oblique membranelles at its proximal (posterior) end. The fronto-ventral-transverse ciliature comprised 34 cirri, mostly related to the left component, as well as two marginal rows. On the dorsal surface there were eight dorsal kineties and six caudal cirri. Dorsomarginal kineties were lacking. The macronucleus comprised one irregular-shaped transverse nodule and two smaller roughly ellipsoid longitudinal nodules.     

A New Marine Interstitial Ciliate from the Northwest Atlantic Coast Tracheloraphis primitarum Sp. N. (Ciliophora, Kinetofragminophora, Karyorelictida, Trachelocercidae)

ABSTRACT A new species of marine interstitial ciliate, Tracheloraphis primitarum sp. n., is described from intertidal sands (160-200-μm medium grain size) along the Northwest Atlantic coast. Living specimens are not transparent under incident light, 0.4-0.9 mm in length, and are characterized by an elongated body, bulbous anterior and rounded posterior regions. Cytostome is simple without a cleft on the lip. Protargol silver impregnation shows 18-29 longitudinal kineties. The glabrous zone is very narrow, 6-7 μm wide, and corresponds to the area occupied by one kinety and two interkinetal spaces. Ten to fifteen kineties terminate against the glabrous zone. Interkinetal extrusomes are present. The nuclear apparatus is a single centrally-placed nuclear group that consists of three large irregular macronuclei and 2-3 micronuclei; these are either clustered or encapsulated.     

Morphology and cell division of Saudithrix terricola n. gen., n. sp., a large, stichotrich ciliate from Saudi Arabia

The morphology and main ontogenetic traits of a new stichotrich ciliate, Saudithrix terricola Foissner, AL-Rasheid and Berger n. gen., n. sp., from a terrestrial habitat in Saudi Arabia were investigated using live observation, protargol impregnation, and scanning electron microscopy. Saudithrix terricola is characterized by a large (200-350 x 70-150 microm), flexible body; an adoral zone formed like a three-quarter circle; a sickle-shaped buccal lip with a widened paroral forming a cyrtohymenid pattern with the endoral; 11 frontal and frontal-ventral cirral rows (including right marginal rows) and one left marginal row covering the ventral side; two buccal cirri; six to nine transverse cirri; three dorsal kineties; and two macronuclear nodules. The resting cyst is about 85 microm across, has a smooth wall, and a fluffy mucous layer. Most cirral anlagen originate within the parental rows and are arranged side by side, the proximal portion of the adoral zone of membranelles is reorganized, and some parental dorsal bristles are maintained. Neither the morphological nor the ontogenetic data reveal the systematic position of Saudithrix within the stichotrichs. The term multicorona is introduced and describes a frontal ciliature composed of four or more cirral bows.     

Polychaeta (Annelida) associated with Thalassia testudinum in the northeastern coastal waters of Venezuela

Seasonal variations of polychaetes in a Thalassia testudinum bed were studied from June 2000 to April 2001 in Chacopata, northeastern Venezuela. Eight replicate samples were taken monthly with a 15 cm diameter core and the sediment was passed through a 0.5 mm mesh sieve. A total of 1,013 specimens, belonging to 35 species, was collected. The monthly density ranged from 387 ind/m2 (September) to 1,735 ind/m2 in May (x = 989+/-449 ind/m2). Species richness was lowest in August and September (8) and highest (25) in April (x = 18.00+/-5.29). The shoot density of Thalassia showed an average of 284+/-77.60 shoots/m2, with extreme values in February (164) and May (422). Species diversity ranged from 1.25 in August and 3.33 bits/ind in December (x = 2.47+/-0.64). Significant positive correlations were detected among the number of Thalassia shoots, polychaete abundance and species richness, as well as among species richness, polychaete abundance and species diversity. Species number and average density were found within the intervals of mean values reported in similar studies. The higher number of species and organisms obtained in March-April and June-July can be attributed to the recruitment correlated with the regional up-welling.     

Morphology and infraciliature of three species of Metaurostylopsis (Ciliophora, Stichotrichia): M. songi n. sp., M. salina n. sp., and M. marina (Kahl 1932) from sediments, saline ponds, and coastal waters

Two new urostylid ciliates, Metaurostylopsis songi n. sp. and Metaurostylopsis salina n. sp. and Metaurostylopsis marina (Kahl 1932) are investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. These species were isolated in Korea from intertidal sediments, saline ponds, and coastal waters. Metaurostylopsis songi is in vivo about 120 microm x 25 microm, has a slenderly ellipsoidal body, colorless cortical granules in rows on ventral and dorsal body sides, about 54 macronuclear nodules, 28-47 adoral membranelles, five frontal, two or three frontoterminal and six or seven transverse cirri, and 9-12 midventral cirral pairs followed posteriorly by 1-3 single cirri. In vivo M. salina is about 60 microm x 25 microm, has a pyriform body, colorless cortical granules irregularly arranged, about 45 macronuclear nodules, 18-23 adoral membranelles, three frontal, three to five frontoterminal and two to five transverse cirri, and four or five midventral cirral pairs followed posteriorly by five to seven single cirri. Both species have three marginal cirral rows on each body side and 3 long dorsal kineties. The Korean specimens of M. marina match the Chinese population in all main features. Metaurostylopsis songi differs from M. marina by the more slender body, the number of frontal cirri (invariably five vs. four), and the arrangement of cortical granules (in rows on dorsal and ventral cortex vs. only along dorsal kineties and anterior body margin). Metaurostylopsis salina differs from its congeners by the distinctly smaller size, the pyriform body shape, the scattered cortical granules (vs. in rows), and number of frontal cirri. It differs from M. marina also by the number of midventral cirral pairs (four or five vs. seven to 11).     

Descriptions of six new species of Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Guatemalan snakes (Serpentes: Colubridae and Viperidae)

One hundred and seventy snakes were collected in Guatemala and examined for coccidia. Of these, 8 individuals representing 6 host species were positive for Caryospora spp., 6 of which are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Caryospora bothriechis n. sp. from Bothriechis aurifer are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 12.7 x 12.5 (12-14 x 12-13) microm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0; they lack a micropyle (M) or oocyst residuum (OR), but 1 large polar granule (PG) is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9.0-7.5 (8-10 x 7-8) microm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.2, and a Stieda body (SB) and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of Caryospora coniophanis n. sp. from Coniophanes imperialis are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 18.8 x 18.1 (17-20.5 x 16-20) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.2 x 9.4 (12-15 x 8-10) microm with a L/W ratio of 1.4, and a SB, substieda body (SSB), and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora conophae n. sp. from Conophis lineatus are spheroid to subspheroidal, 20.4 x 19.5 (17-26 x 17-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.1 x 9.8 (11-15 x 8-11) microm with a L/W ratio of 1.3 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora guatemalensis n. sp. from Lampropeltis triangulum are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 23.9 x 23.2 (20-27 x 20-26) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.4 x 10.6 (13-18 x 9-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora mayorum n. sp. from Conophis lineatus are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 25.6 x 24.4 (24-27 x 24-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 16.3 x 11.9 (16-18 x 11-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora zacapensis n. sp. from Masticophis mentovarius are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 22.5 x 21.8 (19-25 x 18-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.6 x 11.4 (11-16 x 10-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.3 and a SB, SSB, and SR.     

Two new species of symbiotic ciliates from the respiratory tract of cetaceans with establishment of the new genus Planilamina n. gen. (Dysteriida, Kyaroikeidae)

Examination of mucus discharged from the blowhole of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) at Marine Life Oceanarium, Gulfport, Mississippi, and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) and Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida, using live observations and protargol impregnation revealed mixed infections of Kyaroikeus cetarius and two new species. Planilamina n. gen. is characterized by a C-shaped argentophilic band located along the laterally flattened margin of cell and extending from the cell apex to subposterior cone-shaped podite; a deep oral cavity containing one short preoral kinety, two circumoral kineties, seven to 13 infundibular kineties, and a cytostome; a broadly funnel-shaped cytopharynx reinforced by argentophilic fibers but without nematodesmata; closely packed postoral kinetofragments set in a pocket located anterior left of the podite; and somatic kineties as a right field closely situated at the right surface and a left field bordering the anterior left margin of the oral cavity. The type species for the genus, Planilamina ovata n. sp., is distinguished from its sister species Planilamina magna n. sp. by the following characteristics: body size (28-65 x 20-43 microm vs. 57-90 x 40-63 microm), number of right field kineties (38-55 vs. 79-99), and position of the anterior end of the leftmost kinety in the right somatic field (anterior one-third vs. mid-body). The morphogenesis of Planilamina ovata is similar to that of K. cetarius. The diagnosis of Kyaroikeidae is emended to accommodate the new genus.     

Eimeria from bats of Bolivia: two new species from vespertilionid bats.

Between 1985 and 1987, fecal samples were collected from 71 bats representing 14 species (Desmodontidae, Molossidae, Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae) from 8 localities in 3 states (Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz) in Bolivia, South America. Of these, 2 black myotid bats (Vespertilionidae), Myotis nigricans, and 1 tent-making bat (Phyllostomidae), Uroderma magnirostrum, had oocysts in their feces that represent undescribed species of Eimeria. The new species from M. nigricans (2/4, 50%) has sporulated oocysts that are subspheroidal, 18.9 x 16.9 (17-23 x 14-20) microm, without a micropyle; oocyst residuum of 6-8 spheroidal globules and 1 highly refractile polar granule are present. The oocyst wall has 2 layers (approximately 1.3 microm thick), with a rough outer layer. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.1 x 7.4 (7-14 x 5-10) microm, with a Stieda body, substieda body, and a sporocyst residuum. The new eimerian species from U. magnirostrum (1/2, 50%) has sporulated oocysts that are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 23.8 x 20.8 (20-26 x 19-24) microm, without micropyle or oocyst residuum, but 1-3 polar granules are present. The oocyst wall has 2 layers (approximately 1.5 microm thick), with a rough, mammilated outer layer. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.6 x 8.6 (10-12 x 7-10) microm, with a Stieda body, substieda body and a sporocyst residuum.