Indian Ocean Fish Leech [Pterobdella amara]
Description
The Indian Ocean Fish Leech is a parasite found predominantly in the Indian Ocean. It attaches itself to the gill or skin of various fish species. The leech can reach up to 1.5 cm in length and is typically dark brown. One distinguishing feature of this species is its relatively large anterior sucker, used for attaching to the host.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Rhynchobdellida
Rhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Piscicolids
Piscicolidae
|
| Genus |
Fish Leech
Cystobranchus
|