Fish Leech [Piscicola piscicola]
Description
Fish leeches are parasitic annelids that inhabit freshwater and marine habitats. They are usually found on the skin, gills, and fins of fish species. These leeches are characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and two suckers on each end. They feed by attaching to their host with their suckers and cutting into the skin to suck blood.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Rhynchobdellida
Rhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Piscicolids
Piscicolidae
|
| Genus |
Piscine Leech
Piscicola
|