any protozoan of the small order Apostomatida (fewer than 50 species). Many are parasitic on marine crustaceans. The life cycle of apostomes is complex. Members of the genus Foettingeria, for example, multiply by fission, after which immature swimming forms called larvae, or tomites, develop, attach to crustaceans, form cysts, and develop within them. The small cytostome (mouth), when present, is often accompanied by a glandular rosette. The sparse hairlike projections (cilia) are arranged in spiral rows on the organism.