Maryna is a single-cell freshwater ciliate. The “shell” around it is called a lorica, a gelatinous tubular structure secreted by Maryna as a form of protection. The top end of the Lorica remains open so that Maryna can poke its mouth out to feed on bacteria.

This Maryna may have been bothered by the microscope’s light, or by something in the water, causing it to leave its lorica. The good news is that it can build a new lorica whenever it wants.