A Protozoan Rhizopod Amoeba discoides (Amoebozoa: Tubulinida) In Freshwater From Aurangabad (Sambhaji Nagar), M. S., India

Abstract:

Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes. The body of protozoan is morphologically a single cell and manifests all characteristics common to the living thing. The study has been undertaken for the period from May 2008 to June 2009. Total 118 samples were collected from various water bodies out of which 74 samples found positive for protozoa including ciliate, flagellate, actinopod and rhizopod, of which only 6 samples found positive for Amoeba discoides. Total prevalence recoded for the A. discoides is very less (5.08%) as compare to other protozoa.  The species has been identified morphologically and redescribed here. Body shape and body dimensions of the organism, presence of thick pellicle, ectoplasm and endoplasm, a vesicular nucleus, many food vacuoles, contractile vacuole and pseudopodia considered for the identification of the species.