- Astome
Taxobox
color = khaki
name = Astomes
domain = Eukaryota
unranked_phylum =Alveolata
phylum = Ciliophora
classis =Oligohymenophorea
subclassis = Astomatia
ordo = Astomatida
ordo_authority =Schewiakoff , 1896
subdivision_ranks = Families
subdivision =Anoplophryidae Archiastomatidae Clausilocolidae Contophryidae Haptophryidae Hoplitophryidae Intoshellinidae Maupasellidae Radiophryidae Astomes (order Astomatida) are a group of
ciliate protozoans commonly found in the guts ofannelid worms, especiallyoligochaete s, and otherinvertebrate s. As their name implies, these parasites are characterized by an absence of mouth. The cell is covered by uniform cilia; in addition, some astomes attach themselves to their hosts bysucker s, while others use varioushook s orbarb s.Asexual reproduction is bytransverse fission . In some cases, chains of individuals form by repeated fission without separation of the cells. The sexual phenomenon ofconjugation also occurs. Representative genera include "Cepedietta ", which lives in theamphibian digestive system , and "Radiophrya ".
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