Blepharisma

Blepharisma is a genus of unicellular ciliate protists found in both fresh and salt water, comprising around forty accepted species along with many sub varieties and strains. Species vary considerably in size and shape but most are easily identified by a red or pinkish color caused by granules of the pigment blepharismin. Every member of the genus carries a long series of membranelles on the left side of its oral groove and an undulating membrane, a flap like structure made of long cilia fused into a single sheet, on the right side of the peristome toward the rear of the cell. Certain species have served as model organisms for scientific research, and because some varieties are easy to culture and are sold by scientific supply houses, they are commonly studied in school science classes.