Actinomyxidia

/ˌæk.tɪ.noʊ.mɪkˈsɪd.i.ə/ noun

Definition

A group of microscopic parasitic organisms found in fish and other aquatic animals, related to the myxozoans.

Etymology

From actino- (ray-shaped) + myxo- (mucus, slime) + -idia (plural suffix for small organisms). These creatures produce spore-like structures that release mucus-like substances.

Kelly Says

Actinomyxidians are so weird that scientists long debated whether they were animals, plants, or something entirely different—it took modern genetics to prove they're actually related to jellyfish!

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