Lingual Trematode [Cryptocotyle lingua]
Description
Cryptocotyle lingua is a small parasitic flatworm that resides in the mouth and gills of fish, primarily cod. It is characterized by two pigmented eyespots and a single, central holdfast organ known as a haptor. Adult C. lingua are usually around 2mm in length and are known for their intricate life cycle involving multiple hosts.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Trematoda
Trematoda
|
| Order |
Digenetic Flukes
Digenea
|
| Family |
Heterophyidae
Heterophyidae
|
| Genus |
Cryptocotyle
Cryptocotyle
|