Paramecium (also Paramoecium) (/ˌpærəˈmiːʃəm, -ˈmiːʃiəm, -ˈmiːsiəm/ parr-ə-MEE-sh(ee-)əm, parr-ə-MEE-see-əm) is a genus of unicellular ciliates, commonly studied as a representative of the ciliate group. Paramecia are widespread in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments and are often very abundant in stagnant basins and ponds. Because some species are readily c