Fungi are important decomposers in the marine realm, particularly because of their ability to decay wood (and it is additionally suggested that they also slurp up dead whales and other rotting animals). Some kickass species are destructive and deadly parasites, knocking off unlucky representatives from just about every phylum – bony fish to octopuses (correction: octopodes). Any aquarium enthusiast will warn of fungal infections that rapidly take advantage of their wounded fish. Conversely, other fungi are beneficial symbionts: for example, the fungus Turgidosculum complicatum lives in association with a green algae and offers protection from dreaded dehydration during low tides (Hyde et al. 1998).