Labyrinthulomycetes

Labyrinthulomycetes (ICNafp) or Labyrinthulea (ICZN) is a class of protists that produce a network of or tubes, which serve as tracks for the cells to glide along and absorb nutrients for them. The two main groups are the (or slime nets) and thraustochytrids. They are mostly marine, commonly found as parasites on algae and seagrasses or as decomposers on dead plant material. They also include some parasites of marine invertebrates and mixotrophic species that live in a symbiotic relationship with zoochlorella.