1136 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [10] 



tricha. As in those, the more or less elongated or flask-shaped body 

 is covered entirely with cilia, which around the oral opening are some- 

 what (but very little) longer than those found on other parts of the body; 

 the cuticle is very delicate and flexible, the position of the oral openiug 

 is subterminal, and the anterior part of the body may at times be ex- 

 tended like a proboscis. 



Although this iufusorian may be placed in the family of the Truclielo- 

 cercidce, it is more difficult as to which one of the known genera of this 

 family it belongs. While this infusorian diflers essentially from Trache- 

 locerca Ehr., Lacrymaria Ehr., Fhialina Ehr., and Maryna Gruber, by 

 the entire absence of anything like an anterior head-like differentia- 

 tion, it is on the other hand impossible to place it under Lagynnis 

 Quenuerstedt, or Choenia Quenu., because the gullet is not pli(;ate, 

 and because the oral opening is always distinctly visible. 



I therefore feel compelled to erect a new genus for the reception of 

 the species described by me, and propose the name Chromatophagus, 

 tbereiore incorporating this animal into the system as Chromatophagus 

 parasitwus, gen. et spec. nov. 



If future investigations should show that the views expressed above 

 by me, regarding the observations and opinions of Fouquet relative to 

 his IcJitliyophtJtirius miUtiJiliis, are (correct, it becomes evident in that 

 event that the new family of the Ichthyophthiriidce for the reception of 

 Fonquet's species established by Saville Kent must be abandoned and 

 eliminated from anion i>- the families of the Ciliata-Holotricha. 



