Stentor (Protozoa) Under the Microscope

Stentor are sometimes referred to as trumpet animalcules because of their horn shape. They typically reach a full grown length of 2mm and are among the largest known unicellular organisms.

Image courtesy Mark Simmons

The image above contains multiple Stentors and was captured using a biological microscope and a consumer digital camera adapter that connected the camera to the microscope.

The body of the Stentor is typically horn-shaped with a ring of prominent cilia around the end of the horn that helps sweep in food and aids in swimming. Stentor are often different colors, including blue. Stentor are found worldwide in freshwater lakes and streams and are usually attached to algal filaments.

Image courtesy Mark Simmons