Tachysoma, a hypotrich ciliate. The body is relatively elongate, dorsoventrally flattened and rounded anteriorly and posteriorly. The adoral zone of membranelles is limited to about one quarter of the body length. The three long frontal cirri are seen here. There are five characteristic long transverse cirri. Caudal cirri are absent. The right and left marginal cirral files do not join posteriorly. There are two spherical macronuclei flanking a dense relatively large micronucleus (seen well in this image). Two small refractile lipid globules, considered characteristic (termed Fettkorn by Foissner), are clearly seen in the anterior and posterior quarters of the cell in this image. The contractile vacuole (not seen in this image) is located on the left in the mid portion of the cell. Tachysoma feeds on bacteria, green algae and diatoms. From freshwater pond near Boise, Idaho. Brightfield illumination.