Phylum Ciliophora

These ciliates move by means of numerous small cilia. Ciliates are covered with these tiny little hairs called cilia. This is their defining characteristic that sets them apart from the other protists. They are complex little critters, with lots of organelles and specialized structures. Many of them, like Paramecium, even have little toxic threads or darts that they can discharge to defend themselves. Typical ciliates you may see in lab include Paramecium and Blepharisma.