''Rhytidocystis'' is a genus of
apicomplexa
The Apicomplexa (also called Apicomplexia) are a large phylum of parasitic alveolates. Most of them possess a unique form of organelle that comprises a type of non-photosynthetic plastid called an apicoplast, and an apical complex structure. T ...
ns.
It is the only genus within the monotypic family Rhytidocystidae.
The species of this genus are parasitic
protozoa
Protozoa (singular: protozoan or protozoon; alternative plural: protozoans) are a group of single-celled eukaryotes, either free-living or parasitic, that feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or organic tissues and debris. Histo ...
found in marine
annelid
The annelids (Annelida , from Latin ', "little ring"), also known as the segmented worms, are a large phylum, with over 22,000 extant species including ragworms, earthworms, and leeches. The species exist in and have adapted to various ecol ...
s.
Taxonomy
There are four species known in this genus:
* ''
Rhytidocystis cyamus''
Rueckert & Leander 2009
* ''
Rhytidocystis opheliae''
Henneguy 1907
* ''
Rhytidocystis polygordiae''
* ''
Rhytidocystis sthenelais''
Porchet-Henneré 1972
References
Apicomplexa families
Apicomplexa genera
{{Apicomplexa-stub