Peritrichia

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Peritrichia (subphylum Ciliophora, class Ciliatea) A subclass of ciliate protozoa which have a well-developed system of oral cilia. Body cilia are mostly absent, but are present in some immature stages. Cells are variable in shape, and may be sessile or free-swimming. Some are colonial, some have a shell-like lorica. There is one order, with many genera. They are found in freshwater and marine habitats.