without lorica

Descrição:

Tintinnidium, an oligotrich ciliate. Although often found residing in a gelatinous lorica with attached particles, this is a liberated free-swimming organism. Compared with loricate organisms, the free-swimming individuals have a broadly rounded posterior. The rounded macronucleus is seen on the organism's right. Ingested diatoms are visible. From a rainwater holding pond near Boise, Idaho. Oblique illumination.