Atlantic Whale Sucker [Pseudoentobdella grossa]
Description
The Pseudoentobdella grossa, better known as the Atlantic Whale Sucker, is a species of marine leech found in the Atlantic Ocean. As its name suggests, it is an ectoparasite on whales. The Atlantic Whale Sucker is the largest of all Pseudoentobdella species, reaching lengths of up to 20 cm. Its coloration is darker, often black or dark brown. Unlike its relatives, it has been found on a wider variety of whale species.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Monogenea
Monogenea
|
| Order |
Capsalidea
Capsalidea
|
| Family |
Entobdellids
Entobdellidae
|
| Genus |
Pseudoentobdella
Pseudoentobdella
|