Microscope Bus

Stylonychia

Ciliophora: Protozoans that Move with Cilia

The Stylonychia is part of the Phylum Ciliophora. View more Ciliophora here.

Stylonychia

Stylonychia is from 100-300 microns long.

Stylonychia (genus) belongs to the order Hypotrichida whose species are characterized by rows of fused cilia called cirri on the ventral (underside) surface. Stylonychia uses its cirri to run across a surface as well as for propelling itself through the water. They are a common inhabitant of ponds, where they prey on smaller organisms. They eat bacteria, phytoplankton and small ciliates. The Stylonychia cannibalizes if starved.