Euglenids (
euglenoids, or
euglenophytes, formally
Euglenida,
ICZN, or
Euglenophyceae,
ICBN) are one of the best-known groups of
flagellates, which are
Excavate Eukaryotes of the phylum
Euglenophyta and their cell structure is typical of that group. They are commonly found in freshwater, especially when it is rich in organic materials, with a few marine, and endosymbiotic members. Most euglenids are unicellular. Many euglenids have
chloroplasts and produce energy through
photosynthesis, but others feed by
phagocytosis, or strictly by diffusion. This group is known to contain carbohydrate
paramylon.