These organisms are single-celled eukaryotes that are found in various aquatic habitats, including freshwater environments and marine systems.

Several features make Malawimonadidae unique: Evolutionary position: Malawimonads are considered to be one of the earliest branching lineages of eukaryotes.

This makes them particularly interesting for researchers studying the early evolution of eukaryotic cells and their organelles.

They possess a unique feeding apparatus called the "malawimonad mastigont system," which is a complex of microtubules, flagella, and other cellular structures that facilitate the capture and ingestion of bacteria.

Mitochondrial relics: The mitochondria in Malawimonadidae are unusual in that they have reduced, highly derived cristae.