A new genus and two new species of marine peritrichous ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Peritrichida) from Qingdao, China

This paper deals with descriptions of a new genus and two new species of marine peritrichs, Pseudovorticella longa nov. spec. and Zoothamnopsis mengi nov. gen., nov. spec. Both organisms were collected from eutrophic waters (mollusca-breeding and shrimp-farming ponds) off the coast of Qingdao, China. Their morphology, infraciliature and silverline system were studied and investigated from living and silver-stained organisms. The new genus Zoothamnopsis has all the characteristics of the well-known genus Zoothamnium but with a reticulate silverline system like that of Pseudovorticella. Zoothamnopsis mengi nov. spec. is a medium-sized form with dichotomously branched stalk and one apically located contractile vacuole; C-shaped macronucleus is horizontally located; zooids in vivo are about 50–70 × 20–30 μm. Number of silverlines: from oral area to aboral ciliary wreath ca. 76–87; AbW to scopula 30–36. The new species Pseudovorticella longa measures 30–45 × 15–25 μm and is unique by having a dorsally located contractile vacuole, smooth cell surface and very fine pellicular striations, asymmetrical elongated body shape and a long, strongly twisted macronucleus. Number of silverlines: from oral area to aboral ciliary wreath: 42–47; AbW to scopula: 10–12.