Ciliates? Sample taken from Duncan

[Calm Blue Ocean]

Had the microscope out and decided to take a look at a blob of duncan "poop" (you know you're a real reefer when?). I have seen mention that ciliates like these can be associated with brown jelly but so far it hasn't given me any reason to think this is going on. I'll keep an eye on it but in the meantime, I thought I'd share.

 

[J1a]

Had the microscope out and decided to take a look at a blob of duncan "poop" (you know you're a real reefer when?). I have seen mention that ciliates like these can be associated with brown jelly but so far it hasn't given me any reason to think this is going on. I'll keep an eye on it but in the meantime, I thought I'd share.

Nice video! I do see something similar when I examine the mucus of a acropora frag. Mine was not moving though.

Are these similar?

 

[Calm Blue Ocean]

Not sure if those are the same thing but they sure look similar. Maybe a different species of ciliate? The biggest difference is that mine look like they all have bellies full of zooxantellae and are hungry for more! I'm just using a toy microscope but every time I see things like this, I get the urge to upgrade!

 

[J1a]

I guess if some zoox was releases by coral due to explusion or diseases, these guys might be right there to gobble them up. Just a guess though.

Having a microscope is very rewarding for me as a reefer.