Cladotricha halophila Wilbert 1995

Hypotrich ciliate, 102-172 x 25-39 microns, spindle-shaped with about 10 macronuclei, 3 caudal cirri, 2 ventral rows of cirri and 3 dorsal kineties. Frontal cirri conspicuously thickened. Cells front end slightly tapered, hind end strongly tapered and pointed. Dorsal ciliature comprises 3 kineties, ending in 3 caudal cirri. The dorsal cilia are 4 microns long, the caudal cirri are about 12 microns. Macronuclei are arranged along the median axis of the animal. Usually there are 3 micronuclei. Contractile vacuole in the dorsal slightly anterior to the middle. The swimming ciliate rotates slowly about its long axis. Jerking suddenly forward and backward, it explores the substrate for food (bacteria). The body is particularly flexible and changeable in shape in the frontal region. The cytoplasm is light and colourless, with fine inclusions. The posterior end often appears dark.