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Codonella cratera lorica. Codonella cratera is a large tintinnid ciliate. A distinctive chitinous lorica is coated with xenosomes (foreign particles such as sand particles as in these individuals and diatoms). The posterior lorica is broadly spherical with a cylindrical anterior half. There is a prominent circumferential anterior adoral zone of membranelles. From freshwater pond near Boise, Idaho. Oblique illumination.
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Codonella cratera (Leidy, 1877) Imhof, 1885, which has fled its lorica. The cell body is trumpet shaped when in its lorica, attaching to the lorica base by a drawn-out posterior extension. When free-swimming, the cell body assumes a more globular shape. There is a prominent circumferential anterior adoral zone of membranelles. The buccal cavity is funnel-shaped. Somatic ciliature is uniform and slightly spirals from anterior to posterior. The macronucleus is bipartite. There is a single anterior contractile vacuole. Codonella appears to be omnivorous. Ingested algae are visible in this image. From freshwater pond near Boise, Idaho. Brightfield illumination.
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This ciliat belonging to the morphological group of oligotrichids builds marvellous amphora shaped loricae putting together mostly centric diatom frustules. This drawing (it´s an original) was inspired by a SEM picture of a good friend. Collection from littoral region (stand of Phragmites) of oligotrophic lake near Kiel (Schleswig-Holstein, Germany).
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This tintinnid was found in a sample from the Eastern Mediterrean Sea in September
