An order of nematodes in which the amphid manifestation is variable but within superfamilies some constancy is apparent. The various amphids are reniform, transverse elongate loops, simple spirals, or multiple spirals not seen in any other orders or subclasses. The cephalic sensilla are in one or two whorls at the extreme anterior. In all taxa the cuticle shows some form of ornamentation, usually punctations that are apparent whether the cuticle is smooth or annulated. When developed, the stoma is primarily esophastome and is usually armed with a dorsal tooth, jaws, or protrusible rugae. The corpus of the esophagus is cylindrical; the isthmus is not seen; and the postcorpus, in which the heavily cuticularized lumen forms the cresentic valve, is distinctly expanded. The esophagointestinal valve is triradiate or flattened. The females usually have paired reflexed ovaries.

There are four chromadorid superfamilies: Choanolaimoidea, Chromadoroidea, Comesomatoidea, and Cyatholaimoidea. Choanolaimoidea are distinguished by a complex stoma in two parts. The group occupies marine habitats; some species are predaceous, but for many the feeding habits are unknown. Chromadoroidea comprise small to moderate-sized free-living forms that are mainly marine but are also found in fresh water and soil. Known species either are associated with algal substrates or are nonselective deposit feeders in softbottom sediments. Comesomatoidea, containing only the family Comesomatidae, are found in marine habitats, but the feeding habits are unknown. Cyatholaimoidea are found in marine, terrestrial, and fresh-water environments. Nemata