Cryptophyceae

Cryptophyceae
Rhodomonas salina
Scientific classification
Clade: Pancryptista
Phylum: Cryptista
Superclass: Cryptomonada
Class: Cryptophyceae
Orders
Synonyms
  • Cryptomonada Senn 1900
  • Cryptomonadinae Pascher 1913
  • Cryptomonadophyceae Pascher ex Schoenichem 1925

The cryptophyceae are a class of algae, most of which have plastids. About 230 species are known, and 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 exhibit mixotrophy.