Photo record data sheet

Identification (as far as possible):

Loxosomatid entoproct (Phylum Entoprocta, Order Solitaria, Family Loxosomatidae)

compare with species #2

macro
The animals are up to 2mm long with black stalks and white "heads" (the zoids). Contrast with the ciliate Maristentor.

dissec
The tentacles (~ 16) were usually withdrawn and the animals actively flexed about (reminiscent of gecko tails). The animals did not contract when disturbed.

10x DIC: zoid showing tentcles and gut

DIC 20x
Oral area with tentacles withdrawn.

40x, DIC: tentacles, showing cells and cilia.

20x DIC: esophagus and stomach.

40x DIC: stalk

40x DIC: foot.

20x, DIC: muscles in stalk

10/20x DIC: bud still within parent wall

20x, DIC: emerging bud

Collection notes

Location; habitat; depth: Western Shoals, Apra Harbor, Guam, on sponge, ca. 40 ft.

Date: 3 May 2005

Collector(s): Elaine M. Pinder

Additional/ID notes

Thanks to Gustav Paulay for the identification. There are drawings of the solitary loxosomatid entoproct Loxosoma in Brusca & Brusca Invertebrates, and similar drawings on line at biodidac.bio.uottawa.ca. Classification on Tree of Life.

Last revised June 2008