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zooxanthella
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zooxanthella

microorganism
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Also known as: zooxanthellae
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zooxanthella, flagellate protozoan (or alga) with yellow or brown pigments contained in chromatophores that lives in other protozoa (foraminiferans and radiolarians) and in some invertebrates. In illuminated conditions, zooxanthellae use the carbon dioxide and waste materials of the host, supplying oxygen and food substances in return. They spend their resting stage in the host; at times they escape and become free-swimming, independent flagellates. Examples of zooxanthellae are Cryptomonas (see cryptomonad) and Chrysidella.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Charly Rimsa.