Leighia [Leighia]

Description

Leighia is a genus within the family Entobdellidae, comprising ectoparasitic flatworms that inhabit the outer surfaces of marine elasmobranchs, including various species of sharks and rays. These parasites are distinguished by their body structure, which is optimized for a parasitic mode of living, including mechanisms for firm attachment to the host's skin or gills. Leighia species are characterized by their relatively streamlined bodies compared to other genera in the family, with specialized hooks and suckers for attachment. Their life cycles are direct, with no intermediate hosts required, and they have specific host preferences, which are crucial for understanding host-parasite dynamics in marine ecosystems.

Species

Leighia's Seahorse [Leighia monaghanorum]

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Taxonomy