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; cannibalizes if starved. |
