Stentor (ciliate)

Stentor (previously known as "trumpet animalcules") is a genus of trumpet-shaped, ciliated protists common to most of the world. This group has been thoroughly studied by a small collection of dedicated micro-zoologists since the late 1800’s, with multiple revisions occurring among their taxa since.

Members of this genus all share the same general morphology of a wide anterior feeding end and a tapered posterior tail end where they commonly adhere themselves to substrate. They are very large cells, ranging from approximately 0.4 to 2 millimeters (although this varies with species). They also have very fine control over their large bodies and can squeeze into a ball 1/6th of their total size or extend upward, widening their anterior feeding side. Species can have unique pigments due to the colouration of their ectoplasm’s cortical granules and can organize distinct configurations of their large macronuclei.

They are heterotrophic and feed using their many cilia to create a water current, pulling prey into their large oral opening. Many species of this genus also have endosymbiotic algae, allowing them to gain nutrients from both prey and sunlight. They are most found in freshwater habitats, but certain species can be found in marine or even terrestrial habitats.

Members of Stentor also have remarkable regenerative abilities. If even a small fraction of the cell remains it can regenerate into a whole organism. This ability has made them an interesting point of study and could possibly inform our understanding of large-scale animal healing.