Iridoviridae

A family of viruses including iridescent viruses of insects (Iridovirus) and viruses that infect frogs and fish. These viruses are large, icosahedral (120–170 nm in diameter), and contain lipid. The genome is a single molecule of double-stranded DNA with molecular weight of 130–160 × 10⁶.

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Iri·do·vi·ri·dae (ir″ĭ-do-virґĭ-de) the iridoviruses: a family of DNA viruses having a virion 125–300 nm in diameter, consisting of a lipid envelope modified by protein subunits surrounding an icosahedral nucleocapsid. The genome consists of a single molecule of linear, double-stranded DNA (MW 100–250Ч10⁶, size 150–350 kbp). Replication and assembly occur in the cytoplasm; virions are released by budding or cell destruction. Most members are insect viruses, but some are pathogenic for fish (Lymphocystivirus) and frogs. African swine fever virus was formerly assigned to this family.