Differential interference contrast micrograph of a living Trithigmostoma. The image shows details of the ingestion apparatus and the presence of fine teeth on the nemadesmal rods - teeth that are not visible at lower magnifications. Image and copyright by D J Patterson.

The choice of what to document is determined by the taxonomy of the organism. Adequate documentation may be achieved by a single image or may require many. In the case of Trithigmostoma, the most likely source of confusion as to the identity (with Chilodonella) is the arrangement of the kineties on the ventral surface. This information is obtained with the lower magnification image.

Document:

• the appearance of the overall cell - a Portrait
• the diagnostic characteristics of the genus and of the species

Ideally, make drawings to indicate what you think you have seen.