Paramecium use small hairs called cilia for movement purposes. The cilia on a paramecium move in two directions. The creatures move forwards by beating their cilia at a backward angle, to thrust themselves through the water. To back up, they beat forwards.

How does a Paramecium move?

Cilia are able to move in a coordinated way to propel a Paramecium forward. When an obstacle is encountered, the cilia move in the opposite direction, backing the Paramecium up a bit, before continuing forward, rather like a Roomba trying to vacuum your living room floor.

Does Paramecium have movement?

As the name suggests, their bodies are covered in cilia, or short hairy protrusions. Cilia are essential for movement of paramecia. As these structures whip back and forth in an aquatic environment, they propel the organism through its surroundings.