Eutreptiella
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Eutreptiella | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Eutreptiella gymnastica | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Discoba |
| Phylum: | Euglenozoa |
| Class: | Euglenida |
| Clade: | Euglenophyceae |
| Order: | Eutreptiales |
| Family: | Eutreptiaceae |
| Genus: | Eutreptiella A.M.da Cunha[1] |
| Type species | |
| Eutreptiella marina A.M.da Cunha[1] | |
Eutreptiella is a genus of Euglenozoa belonging to the family Eutreptiaceae (Eutreptiidae).[1] The genus was first described by A. M. da Cunha in 1914.[1]
The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution.[2]
Eutreptiella consists of single, free-swimming flagellate cells. Cells have two or four unequal flagella, an eyespot (stigma), and discoid, stellate or reticulate chloroplasts (according to the species) The cells exhibit a form of movement called metaboly.[3]
Habitat and ecology
Eutreptiella is found in marine habitats (typically in the neritic zone),[4] or in brackish habitats such as estuaries. During spring and summer, it can form blooms and become locally dominant.[3] At least one species (E. eupharyngea) is mixotrophic and feeds on marine heteretrophic bacteria and cyanobacteria.[5] Blooms of euglenoids can be beneficial, as a source of nutrition for animals. However, Eutreptiella has also been implicated in fish kills in Mexico.[6]
