| Abstract: | Motile unicells of Olisthodiscus lutheus Carter aggregated to form encapsulated masses of nonmotile cells in a benthic stage throughout a temerature range of 15–30°C at salinities o f 10–50%. Motile cells were released from beneathic masses at 10–30°C but at 5°C, cells were not motile and at 0°C cells lysed. Exposure of benthic masses of I day to 8 wk to temperatures of 0–30C in lighted growth chambers resulted in mortality to cells kept below 10°C and normal growth at higher temperatures. Benthic stage cells kept tn darkness at the same temperatures exhibited mortality in all but those at 5 and 10°C. Cells at these thmoeratures remained viable 15 wk in continual darkness. Comparison of cell morphology of matile and benthic stage O. luteus to other Olisthodiscus species and the ecological implications o fthe benthic stage are discussed. |
