Description of Trichamoeba

This genus is one of the larger amoebae, often with nucleolar material scattered throughout the nucleus and with prominent cytoplasmic crystals. Active locomotive form regularly monopodial, slender to thick, most between 75 to 250 µm in length. Nucleus ovular. Cytoplasm often with bipyramidal crystals. Bulbous uroid smooth or with short villi; some with fine filaments. Floating form with radiating pseudopodia. May form cysts. Distinguish from Saccamoeba, which is similar but has a nucleus with distinct central nucleolus and a floating form without obvious radiating pseudopodia. Species found in both freshwater and marine habitats. Type species: T. hirta (Fromentel, 1974).