Cryptomonad

division of algae

The Cryptomonads (or Cryptophyta) are a phylum of algae,[1] most of which have chloroplasts.

Cryptomonads
Rhodomonas salina
Scientific classification
Domain:
Kingdom:
(unranked):
Hacrobia
Phylum:
Cryptophyta
Class:
Cryptophyceae

Order Cryptomonadales
Order Goniomonadales

They are common in freshwater, and also occur in marine and brackish habitats. Each cell is around 10-50 μm in size and flattened in shape, with an anterior groove or pocket. At the edge of the pocket there are typically two slightly unequal flagella.

Some may exhibit mixotrophy,[2] using mixed sources of energy.

References