The hypotrichs are a group of ciliates, and in particular belong among the spirotrichs. They have compound body cilia, called cirri, distributed in isolated tufts on the ventral surface of the body. Some also have cilia on the dorsal surface, which function as sensory bristles. Most are oval in shape, and have a mostly rigid pellicle. Euplotes and Aspidisca are typical representatives. Originally the stichotrichs, which also have cirri, were placed here but they are now treated as a separate group.
