''Rhytidocystis'' is a genus of
apicomplexa
The Apicomplexa (also called Apicomplexia; single: apicomplexan) are organisms of a large phylum of mainly parasitic alveolates. Most possess a unique form of organelle structure that comprises a type of non-photosynthetic plastid called an ap ...
ns.
It is the only genus within the monotypic family Rhytidocystidae.
The species of this genus are parasitic
protozoa
Protozoa (: protozoan or protozoon; alternative plural: protozoans) are a polyphyletic group of single-celled eukaryotes, either free-living or parasitic, that feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or organic debris. Historically ...
found in marine
annelid
The annelids (), also known as the segmented worms, are animals that comprise the phylum Annelida (; ). The phylum contains over 22,000 extant species, including ragworms, earthworms, and leeches. The species exist in and have adapted to vario ...
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
Conoidasida
Apicomplexa genera
{{Apicomplexa-stub