Thraustochytrids, heterotrophic protists were first reported in 1934 and then on several isolates were reported across the world and their advantageous and harmful properties have been explored and utilised. They are oleaginous saprophytic marine heterokontophytes and are emerging as an alternative oil source in pharmaceutical and aquaculture industries. These are known for their role in marine food web and nutritional recycling and are commercially exploited for their ability to produce abundant nutraceutical fatty acids, particularly long-chain poly unsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and squalene. This review gives an insight on the available information on taxonomy, morphology, biodiversity and utilisation of Thraustochytrids and also identifies the knowledge gap and understanding in the field of Thraustochytrids and their importance in polyunsaturated fatty acids enriched commercial products.

Aquaculture feed, DHA, protists, PUFA, systematics, Thraustochytrids