Trithigmostoma cucullulus

Hypostome ciliate, ovoid in shape with the upper surface domed, 150 microns long and dorsoventrally flattened. The opening of the oral aperture is oval and the cytopharyngeal basket is protrusible. Somatic ciliature is mainly restricted to the ventral surface and consists of several longitudinal kineties on the right which curve around the anterior. There are three paroral kineties and the third one curves around the right side of the oral aperture. The preoral kinety furthest from the aperture lies along the suture line. The macronucleus is large and ovoid. Feeds on microalgae - such as diatoms.