Asterocaelum algophilum Canter, 1973

Diagnosis: Trophozoites with several shapes, spherical (12-40 µm), or extended (25-100 µm) with slender, usually fine pseudopodia which often renew them self from a broad base and often contain a dense internal axis. Surrounding mucilage only visible with Indian ink. Sometimes with one, but usually with 2-14 nuclei. Nucleus 3-5  µm, with 1-2 nucleoli. After feeding the amoeba builds a digestion cyst. Cysts are spherical (12-60 µm), almost spherical, elongated, triangular or ovoid (18-117  µm) with 4-73 hollow spines. spines and mucous envelop. Excystment by one or more amoebae. Resting cysts spherical or ovoid, also with spines.

Habitat: Feeding on Cyclotella, Stephanodiscus and Gemellicystis. Freshwater, Europe.

Ferry Siemensma, created March 3, 2019; last modified October 29, 2024
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