The next sequence shows how a cell of Hyalotheca dissilens is attacked by Hyalodiscus rubicundus.
Hyalodiscus rubicundus
Hyalodiscus rubicundus penetrates the mucous layer around the algae.
The amoeba reaches the cell membrane of the algae and starts to open a cell. This process lasts for about 10 minutes.
Suddenly, within seconds, a large part of the cell content moves into the amoeba. This goes fast.
The next 15 minutes Hyalodiscus pulls all the remaining pieces of the chloroplast in its cytoplasm.
The job is done.
Hyalodiscus moves to the neighboring cell and the process starts again.
16 minutes later the cell is open.
When Hyalodiscus is filled with food, it builds a digestive cyst.
After some days the amoeba (left, orange spot) leaves its cyst, leaving indigestible residue behind.
Holes made by Hyalodiscus in cell walls of Hyalotheka dissilens.
Hyalodiscus, after feeding on Hyalotheca