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Name derivation: |
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Classification: |
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Actinosphaerium Ritter von Stein 1857
Order
Actinophryida; Family Actinosphaeriidae (Guiry and Guiry 2017)
Also
placed in Heliozoa or Stramenopiles or Mycetozoa or Sarcomastiqophora,
Heliozoa (Encyclopedia of life)
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Morphology: |
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Spherical
unicells 200 – 1000 μm diameter with spiny pseudopodial
projections called ‘axopods’radiating in all directions and up to
100 μm long. Cells have
contractile vacuoles near periphery for buoyancy adjustment. Pseudopods contain coiled microtubules
for support, and are sticky so they adhere to prey. Heterotrophic
(no chlorophyll). Prey include flagellates, ciliates other algae, and
presumably bacteria. |
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Habitat: |
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Relatively
common in freshwater lakes and streams. Can also be found in damp
terrestrial microhabitats such as attached to damp moss. Found in
Christine Lake (Stark, NH USA) by Oliver Bender (September 2017).
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Toxicity:
Non-toxic. |
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References: |
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Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry 2013. AlgaeBase.
World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland,
Galway. http://www.algaebase.org;
searched on 10 September 2013. |
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