Large Protista of unknown taxonomic affinities are described from 3 species of coleoid squids, and are reported from many other species of cephalopods. The white to yellow-orange, ovoid cyst-like parasites are partially embedded within small pockets on the surface of the gills, often in large numbers. Except for a holdfast region on one side of the large end, the surface of the parasite is elaborated into low triangular plates separated by grooves. The parasites are uninucleate; their cytoplasm bears lipid droplets and presumed paraglycogen granules. Trichocysts, present in a layer beneath the cytoplasmic surface, were found by transmission electron microscopy to be of the dinoflagellate type. Further studies are needed to clarify the taxonomic position of these protists.