Filetail Catsharks [Litobothrium]

Description

Litobothrium is a genus of tapeworms that exclusively parasitizes the digestive tract of filetail catsharks (family Parmaturidae). Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, ribbon-like bodies and a unique scolex (head region) that allows them to attach to the intestinal wall of their hosts. Unlike many other tapeworms, Litobothrium spp. have a relatively simple life cycle with the catshark serving as both the definitive and the only known host. This genus is notable for its highly specialized adaptation to a narrow range of shark species, reflecting a co-evolutionary relationship between parasite and host. The tapeworms of this genus are often studied for their interesting biological and ecological characteristics, including their host specificity and the mechanisms of host-parasite interaction.