New record of Thecacineta calix (Ciliophora, Suctorea) from Florida coast, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

The suctorian ciliate Thecacineta calix is reported off the coast of Panama, Florida (USA) epibiont on meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod. This is the first report of T. calix from Florida coast. The length of stalk in the present specimens, epibiont on harpacticoids, ranged from one seventh to one eighth of the lorica length.

Keywords

• Ciliate
• Thecacineta calix
• distribution
• harpacticoid copepod
• Florida
• USA