TRICHODINA CTENOPHORII N. SP., A NOVEL SYMBIONT OF CTENOPHORES OF THENORTHERN COAST OF THE GULF-OF-MEXICO

Peritrich ciliates of the genus Trichodina are internal or external sy mbionts of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. We describe here Trichod ina ctenophorii n. sp., a symbiont of Mnemiopsis mccraydii and Beroe o vata (Phylum Ctenophora). The morphology of Bred and Living specimens is revealed by silver impregnation, scanning electron microscopy, and differential interference microscopy. Distinguishing features of Trich odina ctenophorii include a denticular morphology composed of falcate, blunt-tipped blades, and long. straight thorns, with five pins per de nticle. Trichodina ctenophorii is found only on the comb plates of the se ctenophores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a trichodinid from the Gulf of Mexico and the first associated wit h ctenophores.