Entamoeba marina n. sp.; a New Species of Entamoeba Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment of Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan

Researchers have identified Entamoeba marina n. sp., a novel species of anaerobic amoeba, isolated from tidal flat sediment on Iriomote Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Okinawa Islands. This discovery expands the genus Entamoeba, which primarily includes parasitic species. E. marina exhibits distinct morphological features, such as tetranucleated cysts and trophozoites measuring 12.8–32.1 μm in length, along with a unique rounded nucleus structure. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of its SSU rDNA gene further distinguishes it from known species, confirming its novelty despite morphological similarities to other Entamoeba species. The study highlights the ecological diversity of amoebae in marine sediments and underscores the importance of systematic exploration in understudied environments like tidal flats.

Shiratori, T., & Ishida, K.-i. (2015). Entamoeba marina n. sp.; a New Species of Entamoeba Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment of Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 63(3), 280–286. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeu.12276