Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: May 16, 2020
Ichthyosporea: a window into the origin of animals
Victoria Shabardina1, Jennah E Dharamshi2, Patricia S Ara3
1Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain. victoria.shabardina@ibe.upf-csic.es.
Abstract:
Ichthyosporea is an underexplored group of unicellular eukaryotes closely related to animals. Thanks to their phylogenetic position, genomic content, and development through a multinucleate coenocyte reminiscent of some animal embryos, the members of Ichthyosporea are being increasingly recognized as pivotal to the study of animal origins. We delve into the existing knowledge of Ichthyosporea, identify existing gaps and discuss their life cycles, genomic insights, development, and potential to be model organisms. We also discuss the underestimated diversity of ichthyosporeans, based on new environmental data analyses. This review will be an essential resource for researchers venturing into the study of ichthyosporeans.
Related Concept Videos
What is Evolutionary History?
The Fossil Record
The Evidence for Evolution
Formation of Species
The Colonization of Land
Phylogenetic Trees

