Floattereina

Floattereina, also known as Floscularia freemanii or "freeman's net float," is a species of net-spinning protozoan found in marine and freshwater environments. They belong to the phylum Choanoflagellatea and are characterized by their unique net-like structure.

Floattereina has a distinctive appearance, with its body enclosed within a network of fine threads, or "masts," that connect to a central hub. These structures are composed of protein strands and allow the protozoan to capture small prey items, such as bacterial cells and other microorganisms.

The life cycle of Floattereina involves several stages of development. In its free-swimming state, the protozoan captured prey using its masts and hub structure, and then engulfed and digested the captured particles inside an invagination of its cell membrane. This process allowed the protozoan to grow in size by incorporating nutrients from externally captured food sources.

Nitrogen cycling plays a critical role in the early life stages of Floattereina, with evidence suggesting that these organisms are able to extract ammonia directly from their surroundings. Through the activities of Floattereina and similar organisms, dissolved inorganic carbon is transported and decomposed, facilitating further nutrient redundancy in aquatic environments.

Floattereina has been found to play a vital role in the maintenance of ecosystem balance. These organisms facilitate the breakdown of organic matter, thus promoting a more stable nutrient cycle. This ability has implications for the understanding and preservation of marine ecosystems, suggesting a possible function in carbonic acid and nutrient availability for plant life.