I found Euglenaformis proxima in large numbers in the highly polysaprobic Ziegelhof pond. This is heavily overfertilized by the input of horse manure.

Euglenaformis proxima is strongly metabolic and constantly moving (s. fig. 1 a-e). However, the shape and length of the extended form is important for identification (s. fig. 2 a-c). Another important parameter is the shape of the chloroplasts and whether pyrenoids are present. This is best recognized in squashed specimens (s. fig. 3 a-c). In the squashed specimens the shape of the paramylon grains can also be determined well. In most identification keys, the shape and number of chloroplasts is used as the most essential parameter. If the shape of the chloroplasts is known, the number of possible species can already be narrowed down considerably. To determine their shape, it is almost always necessary to squash the specimens. It is only then possible to determine whether pyrenoids are present.

In case of Euglenaformis proxima the chloroplasts are disc-shaped without pyrenoides (s. fig. 3 b). The paramylon bodies are ovoid or ellipsoid and almost all of the same size.