Sphaerophrya (Podophrya) the murderer ciliate

[carlos.uruguay]

Spherical body of about 25um (0.025mm) in diameter
With a large vacuole visible in the video.
With dozens of tentacles that are lengthening and constrict.
And in the end have rounded shape.
It is a ciliated of Suctoria group, is called Sphaerophrya or also Podophrya.
We find it in very contaminated freshwater, among Elodea algae
It seems harmless, but it is a murderer.
Expected without moved to their victims: other ciliates.
These seem to be attracted by the tentacles of Sphaerophrya.
On having touched them, they are immobilized
and Sphaerophrya sucks the cellular content to them in a few minutes.
Objectives 40X and 100X
Phase contrast and polarized obllique light.
Analog Camera Sony DXC990.
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0geYKgFrto4
Regards
carlos

[billporter1456]

Nice, Carlos! Thanks for sharing!

[Protos]

Cool video !
These are amazing animals.

[carlos.uruguay]

Thanks Bill and Protos for your kind comments