Cercomonad
| Cercomonads | |
|---|---|
| |
| Cercomonas sp | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
| Clade: | SAR |
| Phylum: | Cercozoa |
| Class: | Sarcomonadea |
| Order: | Cercomonadida Poche 1913, emend. Vickerman 1983, emend. Mylnikov 1986, emend. Karpov et al. 2006; emend Howe et al. 2009; emend Cavalier-Smith 2012[2] |
| Family: | Cercomonadidae Kent 1880, emend. Mylnikov and Karpov 2004[1] |
| Genera[2] | |
| |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Cercobodonidae Hollande 1942
| |
Cercomonads are small amoeboflagellates,[1] widespread in aqueous habitats and common in soils.[3]
Characteristics
The cells are generally around 10 μm in length, without any shell or covering. They produce filose
bacteria
, but do not use them for locomotion, which usually takes place by gliding along surfaces.
Most members have two flagella,[4] one directed forward and one trailing under the cell, inserted at right angles near its anterior. The nucleus is connected to the flagellar bases and accompanied by a characteristic paranuclear body.
Classification
Genetic studies place the cercomonads among the Cercozoa,[5] a diverse group of amoeboid and flagellate protozoans. They are divided into two families.
- The Heteromitidaetend to be relatively rigid, and produce only temporary pseudopods.
- The amoeboid and even multinucleate.
The classification of genera and species continues to undergo revision. Some genera have been merged, like Cercomonas and
- Cavernomonas Vickerman 2009
- CercomonasDujardin 1841 emend. Karpov et al. 2006 non emend. Ekelund et al. 2004 [Cercobodo Krassilstschick 1886; Cercomastix Lemmermann 1913; Dimastigamoeba Blochmann 1894; ?Mukdeniamonas Skwortzov 1960; ?Changia Skwortzov 1960 non Sun 1924; ?Reptomonas Kent 1880; Dimorpha Klebs 1892 non Gruber 1882]
- Eocercomonas Karpov et al. 2006
- Filomonas Cavalier-Smith & Karpov 2012
- Neocercomonas Ekelund, Daugbjerg & Fredslund 2004