Multicilia marina Cienkowski, 1881. Cells are normally spherical in a culture, about 30-40 microns in diameter, however,some cells attain an oblong or irregular form. The majority of cells possess 20-30 long flagella, 1.5-2 times the cell diameter. The flagella differ from those of other heterotrophic flagellates by very weak movements, resulting in a similarity to heliozoan axopods. The locomotion of M ulticilia is slow, rotatory, without any definitive direction, therefore moving cells normally lack anterior and posterior ends. Cells glide in one direction for a very short distance and may change direction rapidly (including moving backwards). The cell rolls over when changing direction. The temporary anterior flagellum is then stretched and clasped along the substratum, only its apex continues to oscillate. The temporary posterior flagellum shows the same behaviour. Other flagella perform irregular movements without any visible coordination. After changing the salinity, cells become free floating and continue a weak oscillation of the flagella.
