Trichostome

Any ciliate protozoan of the holotrichous order Trichostomatida. Free-living forms are found in freshwater (e.g., Tillina), salt water (e.g., Woodruffia), and decaying vegetation; parasitic forms also occur. Trichostomes usually have a heavily ciliated vestibule (outer cavity) that leads to the ventrally located mouth. Body ciliation is uniform, although