The
Carchesium is a smaller protozoan and belongs to the Phyllum
Ciliophora. It lives in a colony with others and is from 100-150 um
long. The word
Carchesium means a beaker or drinking cup which was used by the Greeks in very early times The Carchesium
is similar to the Vorticella. It has a stalk which contracts
as well. Each one can contract
individually without causing the colony to contract. It is quite a
sight to see the individuals all bouncing about in the colony. These
protozoans can be commonly seen in water samples taken from a fresh water
aquarium filter. Carchesium
are available from science supply companies but because of their size are
rarely used in the classroom. |
