Whale Sucker [Pseudoentobdella cubana]
Description
The Pseudoentobdella cubana, commonly known as the Whale Sucker, is a species of marine leeches that are primarily found in the Caribbean Sea. They are ectoparasites, meaning they attach themselves to the outside of their host, usually whales, and feed on their blood. They have a distinctive elongated body, with a flattened underside and a cylindrical topside. The body is segmented and can reach lengths of up to 10 cm. The color ranges from pale yellow to brown.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Monogenea
Monogenea
|
| Order |
Capsalidea
Capsalidea
|
| Family |
Entobdellids
Entobdellidae
|
| Genus |
Pseudoentobdella
Pseudoentobdella
|