First record of Lagenophrys dennisi (Ciliophora : Peritrichia) on the exoskeleton of crayfish Cambarellus patzcuarensis

Abstract

Lagenophrys dennisi, a peritrich ciliate, was observed attached to the exoskeleton of the crayfish Cambarellus patzcuarensis in lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Lagenophrys dennisi presents a hemispheroidal, suboval or oval lorica in dorsal view, the distinctive lorica aperture consists of a pair of lips highly arched unthickened, and smooth. Comparison of morphometric characters of the ciliate with previous records is made. Structures such as a "V"-shaped lorica suture, collar ridges, and myoneme are proposed for species identification. An anterior crescentic thickening on the dorsal surface of the lorica was observed under the scanning electron microscope. lagenophryids were associated with 11 of 13 body parts with antennules and rostrum showing the highest prevalence. lagenophrys dennisi was also found attached to submerged glass slides. This study represents the first record of L. dennisi on C. patzcuarensis and the first record of its presence in Mexico.