Cod worm [Mazocraes gadusi]
Description
Mazocraes gadusi, or the Cod worm, is a monogenean parasite that targets Atlantic cod. They attach themselves to the gills of their host, using their opisthaptor (posterior attachment organ) to adhere to the gill filaments. Adult Cod worms have a transparent, elongated body and can reach lengths up to 40mm. They are distinguishable by their two distinctively shaped reproductive organs.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Monogenea
Monogenea
|
| Order |
Polyopisthocotylea
Polyopisthocotylea
|
| Family |
Mazocraeidae
Mazocraeidae
|
| Genus |
Mazocraes
Mazocraes
|