Lecanophryella indica Chatterjee, Dovgal, Nanajkar & Bogati sp. nov.

(Fig. 4 A–F)

Diagnosis: Suctorian ciliate with slightly laterally flattened, elongated, body, narrowed at the bottom, with a short, thin, straight stalk. There are two well-developed flattened, trapezoidal actinophores, on the inner (facing the central axis of the body) side of each has a small hemispherical protrusion with from 10 to 20 thin, clavate tentacles. Macronucleus elongated, medial. Reproduction be vermigemmic budding, with unciliary swarmer positioned (Fig. 4F) on the lateral side of the body.

Dimensions (in µm): (measurements were taken from 5 individuals) length of the extended (upper) body part 128–159; width of the extended body part 22–45; length of the constricted (lower) part of the body 63–92; width of the constricted body part 34–86; actinophore length 47–54; actinophore width 8–36; stalk length 18–22; tentacle length 9–62. Size of macronucleus 41–79×16–23.

Type locality: Surface waters of Zuari estuarine mouth, Lat. 15°24’09"N and Long. 73°48’34”E, West coast of India, Arabian Sea. (Study area 1).

Type host: Planktonic pelagic cyclopoid copepods (Fig. 4A).