The Paramecium genus contains numerous species of single-celled microscopic organisms that appear much like a lady's slipper surrounded by tiny hair-like appendages termed cilia. The miniature protozoan glides through water by a coordinated movement of its cilia like millions of miniature oars. Paramecia are generally found in slow moving and still bodies of freshwater, especially in areas containing large amounts of pond scum, which is rich in algae.