Morphology and mophometrics of two anaerobic ciliates metopus minor (Kahl, 1927) and Metopus hasei (Sondheim, 1929) from Göksu delta with ecological notes

Abstract

Genus Metopus, a bioindicator of anaerobic conditions was isolated from the different stations of öksu Delta, Environmental Ministry of Special Protected Areas, , Mersin. Cultivation and isolation were done by non-flooded petri dish method; morphology of the specimens was worked by live observation and after protargol impregnation by the aid of DIC microscopy. Illustrations of the live specimens were based on free sketches and/or micrograph prints, micrographs and measurements were performed digitally by IM50 image manager system and Q-Win measurement program. All the data was evaluated and species description, original drawings, morphometric measurements have been prepared. Additionally, öksu population was compared with other populations and distinguishing characters of two species with habitat knowledge were given. Metopus hasei and Metopus minor were new contributions to Turkish Ciliate Fauna