Myxobolidae

Myxobolidae is a family of cnidarian parasites that infect fish. These parasites, known as myxozoans, are microscopic, spore-forming organisms that belong to the phylum Cnidaria, making them surprisingly related to jellyfish and corals. The life cycle of Myxobolidae typically involves at least two hosts: an invertebrate, often an annelid worm, and a fish. Within the fish host, the parasite can develop into a large, visible cyst, often found in the gills, muscles, or fins. These cysts contain numerous spores, which are the infective stage for the invertebrate host. Species within Myxobolidae exhibit a wide range of host specificity and geographic distribution. While many are harmless, some species can cause significant disease in wild and farmed fish populations, leading to economic losses and ecological impacts. Research into Myxobolidae focuses on understanding their complex life cycles, the mechanisms of pathogenesis, and developing strategies for disease management. Their classification and identification often rely on morphological characteristics of the spores and molecular data.