Tintinnidae

This form does not have a name as far as I know

In a sample from the Tara expedition (Station 68) there were 30 large cells for about 1000 'normal-size' cells.

Genetic material is shared between two individuals by the formation of a cytoplasmic bridge

A pair of tintinnid ciliates caught in the act of exchanging genetic material.

Specimen from the Scripps Canyon area in July 2009

Lugol's-fixed specimen from the Bay of Villefranche in October 2010.

This specimen is shown as viewed with transmitted light (left) and epifluoresence (visible light emitted when subjected to ultraviolet light) showing the algae it ate (right panel).

Salpingella acuminata, live specimen from the Bay of Villefranche retracted in its lorica.

Specimen from the California Curree Specimen from the California current Ecosystem

Salpingella acuminata from the Chukchi Sea (Arctic). Sample provided by Eun Jin Yang

Salpingella acuminata from the Chukchi Sea

Salpingella acuminata from the Chukchi Sea. Station 2 of the Araon Cruise 003.

The left panel shows a view with transmitted light and the right with epifluoresence which shows the chloprophyll fluoresencse (red & orange) of the algae it ate.

Salpingella acuminata. A normal and presumptive parasite stages - apparently ate something transformative. Specimens from the Canadaian Basin (Arctic).

One of the smallest Salpingella species

Specimen from the Bay of Villefranche in Jan. 2003. Lugol's fixed cell.