Coleps

Coleps is a genus of ciliates. They are characterized by the presence of a biomineralized test of calcium carbonate, or chalk, in which the cell resides. At one end is a small aperture from which the cell may feed. Coleps are viscous predators, often latching onto their prey and ripping of chunks of tissue or cytoplasm. To make matters worse, Coleps  are often found in swarms. These cells are around 50 micrometers in size.

Cyclidium

Cyclidium is a small, energetic ciliate covered in many long cilia. Its pellicle is slightly ridged, and it possesses and cytostome on the central side of the cell. Surrounding the cytostome are a few oral cilia and an undulating membrane. At least 15 Cyclidium can be seen in this photo. Cyclidium cells can grow to around 30 – 40 micrometers.

 

Lacrymaria

Lacrymaria is a Haptorian ciliate with an extendable “trunk” that can be used to capture small prey (I observed this cell capturing and ingesting a smaller ciliate). In the featured photo, you can see how long the trunk can extend (some of which is off-screen). In the photo below, the trunk is completely retracted, giving the ciliate a scrunched appearance.

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