In the first image the nucleus of the Vorticella can just barely be discerned. Most of the time I only get a good view of them at the low power settings of my microscope. Usually the Vorticella displays the classic “C” shaped profile of it nucleus, the weight of the cover slip hinders this view.
There are times when the Vorticella detaches from its stalk and leaves it behind as it moves on to a much more fruitful environment or where environmental conditions are more suitable.
Normally the lorica will begin to take on a rounded appearance at the posterior and then the ciliary ring or band will begin to be seen forming. The Vorticella will begin to rotate in a counter-clockwise motion and detach from the stalk to swim away. After a very short time the lorica will take on the shape shown here. At this stage or phase the Vorticella is said to be "free-swimming" and a "telotroch."
