Microcotyle nemadactylus facts for kids

Microcotyle nemadactylus is a tiny species of monogenean, which is a type of parasite that lives on the gills of marine fish. It belongs to a group of parasites called Microcotylidae.

What is Microcotyle nemadactylus?

Microcotyle nemadactylus is a small worm-like creature that lives on fish. It was first studied and described by scientists Dillon and Hargis. For a while, it was placed in a different group called Paramicrocotyle, but later scientists decided it belonged back with the Microcotyle group. This shows how scientists sometimes change their minds as they learn more about living things!

How Does This Parasite Look?

The tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus is a main host for Microcotyle nemadactylus.

The Peruvian morwong Cheilodactylus variegatus can also host Microcotyle nemadactylus.

Microcotyle nemadactylus has a flat, long body that is a bit wider in the middle, like a spindle. It has two main parts: a front part with most of its organs and a back part called the haptor.

The haptor is special because it helps the parasite stick to the fish. It has about 94 to 102 small, claw-like structures called clamps. These clamps are arranged in two rows, one on each side, and they help the parasite hold on tightly to the fish's gill.

At the very front of its body, the parasite has two small mouth-like suckers. These suckers have tiny, hard, tooth-like bumps around their edges.

Inside its body, the parasite has a simple digestive system. It has a mouth at the front, a short tube called an esophagus, a strong, muscular pharynx (like a throat), and an intestine that splits into two branches. Like many parasites, each adult Microcotyle nemadactylus has both male and female reproductive organs.

Where Does Its Name Come From?

The second part of the parasite's name, nemadactylus, comes from the name of the fish it often lives on. This fish is called Nemadactylus macropterus. Scientists often name new species after where they are found or the animals they live on.

Where Do These Parasites Live?

The main fish that Microcotyle nemadactylus lives on is the tarakihi, which is a type of fish called Nemadactylus macropterus. These parasites were first found on fish caught near New Zealand, in places like Timaru, Canterbury, and Dunedin, Otago on the South Island.

They have also been found on tarakihi fish in Lakes Entrance, eastern Victoria, Australia. Another fish that can host this parasite is the Peruvian morwong, known as Cheilodactylus variegatus.