Threatened species of Labyrinthulomycota

The Labyrinthulomycota, or slime nets, have traditionally been grouped with the slime molds, but are now believed to be part of the Chromista (phylum Heterokontophyta). The slime nets have become the subject of much recent investigation because they are now known to cause a disease that kills sea grass (Zostera). It has also been discovered that they have an organelle called a bothrosome that is capable of secreting a membrane outside their cells. The membranes produce a network of filaments along which the cells can travel. They appear to be unique in this ability. The taxonomy is unclear with different treatments according to author. Some group the Labyrinthulomycota with the Bicoecea as the Sagenista.