Choanolaimus		Contents		Rev: 05/02/2025
		Classification		Biology and Ecology
		Morphology and Anatomy		Life Cycle
Return to Choanolaimus Menu				Ecosystem Functions and Services
		Distribution		Management
Return to Choanolaimidae Menu		Feeding		References
		Go to Nemaplex Main Menu		Go to Dictionary of Terminology

Classification:

Chromadorea

  Chromadoria

   Chromadorida

   Choanolaimidae

       Choanolaimus de Man, 1880

    Synonyms:
     

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Morphology and Anatomy:

• Nematodes around 2 mm long with a thick cuticle that is strongly striated and a rather thick body, around 80 um..
• The coloration of the nematode is described as clear and transparent in the esophageal region and milky in the intestine and tail region.
• Head region flattened, six lips with two circles of labial papillae.
• Buccal-cavity funnel-shaped with cuticularized folds that appear rib-like.
• Esophagus cylindrical and muscular with cardiac gland cells between the esophagus and intestine.
• Tails of both sexes short and connical with a terminal spinneret.
• Male with strong spicules and a gubernaculum.  No caudal alae. Seven precloacal supplements.

Ref: Palomo, 1983.

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Distribution:

Freshwater, brackish water and marine habitats, and sand dunes.

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Feeding:

Food Sources and Feeding strategies for the genus Choanolaimus

Remains of enchytreids were observed in the intestine of C. psammophilus (Palomo, 1983). Nematode spicules and stylets have also been observed in the intestine.

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Biology and Ecology:

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Life Cycle:

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Ecosystem Functions and Services:

Predator.

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Management:

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References:

Palomo, A. 1983. Primera cita en Espana y redescripcion de Choanolaimus psammophilus de Man, 1880 (Nematoda: Choanolaimidae). Nematologia Mediterranea 11:79-85.

Copyright � 1999 by Howard Ferris.
Revised: May 02, 2025.