Marine Interstitial Ciliates

The ciliated protozoa are important members of the interstitial biotope by virtue of their numbers and biomass. These single celled organisms form complex communities in the spaces between sandgrains in many marine sediments. Despite their important role in benthic ecology, there has been a lack of detailed studies on this large and fascinating group. Although difficult and demanding to work with, the most important aspect that has hampered research on these fragile organisms has been the lack of a suitable identification guide. This book describes all the specialized techniques necessary for the collection and transport and covers in detail many laboratory procedures that have been developed for these organisms. The bulk of the book is taken up by an identification guide to all species inhabiting marine sands worldwide. Diagnostic keys to 67 families, together with 179 generic descriptions are followed by keys to all 937 species considered valid. Detailed species descriptions are given, many in English for the first time, together with all essential diagrams in a total of 108 plates. The keys are easy to interpret and there is a glossary of specialist terms. There is a list of references and a systematic index to all species and their synonyms. A diagnostic key to species is a useful prerequisite to further studies of the ciliates, consequently this key has been eagerly awaited by many workers in marine life sciences. This guide should enable both specialist and non-specialist to identify to species level and should be fundamental to future meiobenthic research. This book should be of interest to research and professional marine biologists, ecologists and marine microbiologists.