The user-friendly guide to coastal planktonic ciliates

The User Friendly Key to UK Coastal Planktonic Ciliates

Ciliates are an important component of the UK plankton, but are
difficult to identify as present guides are inadequate. This study,
funded by the UK Natural Environmental Research Council's Thematic
Marine Productivity Programme, is assembling and disseminating
relevant observational data on the biodiversity and identification of
planktonic ciliates in UK waters. A webpage has been developed
("http://www.liv.ac.uk/ciliate") containing the following information:
1) a series of data-sheets on taxa - For each species there is a
data sheet, comprised of two pages. These sheets are primarily
illustrative, using different fixation and staining methods. We also
provide information such as: key features, measurements, ecological
data, references, a detailed taxonomic description, and lists of
similar species and/or synonyms.
2) Schematic drawings of the major ciliate groups show their
characteristic features. Species affiliated with a group are listed
below the drawing.
3) Common sampling, fixation, and staining techniques for
planktonic ciliates are briefly explained.
4) Terms used in the descriptions are explained and illustrated
where appropriate.
5) The references from all sections are combined in an independent list.
6) Instructions lead you through the organisation of the web page
and provide more detailed information about the options.

A computer database on CD-ROM will be created to form a publishable
key to these important microzooplankton.

All pages can be downloaded as PDF-files and printed out in a
standardised format (on letter or A4 paper). On a regular basis we
will add new data sheets of species and update existing data sheets;
updates will be announced via a mailing list.

The information was provided by Dr. D Montagnes to the UK Nerc
Marine Productivity Programme or taken from the project's website
("http://www.liv.ac.uk/ciliate")