Trichodina
Classification
Domain; Eukaryota SAR Alveolata Subphylum; Intramacronucleata Class; Oligohymenophorea Subclass; Peritrichia Order; Mobilida family; Trichodinae Genus; Trichodina
Description and Significance
Trichodinids are circular ciliates that may be disc-shaped or hemispherical with an almost saw-blade appearance. The Cytostome (cell mouth) is on the surface that faces away from the host; this is termed the oral surface. They are found in the gills of fish but they only use fish as an anchor site. They feed off of bacteria in the surrounding environment.
Genome Structure
No information
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
The Trichodinids have simple, direct life cycles. They reproduce using binary fission, where they split in half into two identical daughter cells. Once split, they complete themselves by replacing their denticles from the outside in. They gain energy by feeding off bacteria in the surrounding water.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
The habitat that favors Trichodinids would be one that is thriving with bacteria i.e. places with poor water quality, giving the organism enough resources to feed, reproduce, and flourish. While most Trichodinids only use the host fish as a means of transport and attachment, some can act as a parasitic relationship when found in urigenital systems.
References
Kreier, Julius P. (2013-10-22). Parasitic Protozoa. Academic Press.
Lom, Jiří; Dyková, Iva (1992). Protozoan Parasites of Fishes. Developments in aquaculture and fisheries science. Vol. 26. Elsevier.
Author
Page authored by Galen Reding, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
