Astomes (order Astomatida) are a group of ciliate eukaryotes commonly found in the guts of annelid worms, especially oligochaetes, and other invertebrates.
As their name implies, these parasites are characterized by an absence of mouth. The cell is covered by uniform cilia; in addition, some astomes attach themselves to their hosts by Sucker (parasitic worms anatomy), suckers, while others use various hooks or barbs.
Asexual reproduction is by transverse fission. In some cases, chains of individuals form by repeated fission without separation of the cell (biology), cells. The sexual phenomenon of bacterial conjugation, conjugation also occurs. Representative genera include ''Cepedietta'', which lives in the amphibian digestive system, and ''Radiophrya''.
References
Oligohymenophorea
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