Domain Eukaryota Scientific name Hyphochytriomycetes Rank Class | Superphylum Heterokonta Higher classification Hyphochytriomycota | |
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Phylum HyphochytriomycotaWhittaker, 1969 Subclass HyphochytriomycetidaeDick, 2001 Order HyphochytrialesBessey, 1950 Similar Labyrinthulomycetes, Bicosoecid, Eukaryote, Chytridiomycetes, Phytomyxea | ||
Hyphochytrids are eukaryotic organisms in the group of Stramenopiles (Heterokonta), formerly classified as fungi or as protists.
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Characteristics
They are distinguished by an anterior tinsel flagellum on their zoospores. Also they have a rhizoidal or hypha-like vegetative system (hence the prefix "Hypho-").
Classification
This group may be put alternatively at the phylum, class, subclass or order level, being referred to as Hyphochytriomycota, Hyphochytriomycetes (or Hyphochytrea), Hyphochytriomycetidae (or Hyphochytridae) and Hyphochytriales, respectively. The variants Hyphochytridiomycota and Hyphochytridiomycetes are also sometimes used, presumably by analogy to the Chytridiomycetes, or due to the perpetuation of a typographical error. However, the stem is Hyphochytri- (from Hyphochytrium) and not Hyphochytridi- (from Chytridium).
In the past the classes Hyphochytridiomycetes, Oomycetes and Chytridiomycetes were grouped together in the now obsolete taxon Mastigomycotina as fungi with flagellate spores or gametes. Now the Chytridiomycetes are still considered true fungi, but the other two sub-groups are classified in the kingdom Protista, or in the group Stramenopiles.
Hyphochytriomycetes are closely related to Oomycetes.
Order Hyphochytriales Bessey 1950 ex Sparrow 1960
Diversity
This is a relatively small group, composed of about 16 known species, which may be due in part, to sampling methods of scientists.