Systematic Position
Phylum
: Protozoa
Subphylum: Ciliophora
Class: Ciliata
Genus
: Paramecium
Species: caudatum
Occurrence
Paramecium caudatum is one of the
most common species of paramecium having worldwide distribution. It is found in freshwater
ponds, pools, ditches, streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc. It is usually
abundant in those waters which contain a great deal of decaying organic matter.
It thrives well in ponds or slowly running streams containing aquatic plants.
External Structure
- Size: Paramecium is a microscopic, elongated organism which is visible to the naked eye as a whitish or greyish spot. Its species vary in length from 80µ to 350µ. P. caudatum, the largest species, measures between 170µ and 290µ. The greatest diameter of the cylindrical body is about two-third of its entire length.