Codonella (vase ciliate)
Codonella spp. · Aquatic life
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Also called Loricate ciliate, Tintinnid, Codonella cratera
How to identify Codonella (vase ciliate)
- Microscopic vase or pot shaped case (lorica) about 0.05 to 0.1 mm
- Case often covered with tiny mineral particles
- Ring of cilia sticks out of the open end
- Counted by labs in open water samples
Similar species
Difflugia shells are similar in shape but have pseudopods instead of cilia and are usually on the bottom.
Profile
| Season | Spring through fall. |
|---|---|
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Open water of lakes and reservoirs. |
Why it matters in a lake
A grazer of very small algae and bacteria and food for rotifers and small zooplankton.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Occasional
- Oregon: Occasional
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Ciliophora |
| Class | Oligotrichea |
| Order | Choreotrichida |
| Family | Codonellidae |
| Scientific name | Codonella spp. |
Vorticella (bell animal)
Difflugia (sand shell amoeba)
Arcella (dome shell amoeba)
Paramecium (slipper animal)
Stentor (trumpet animal)
Daphnia (water flea)Need a hand?
Found it in your lake?
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Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596